Senior Systems Engineer

Onto-Innovation; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

PTO

401(k) with employer match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Onto Innovation, Milpitas, CA, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to develop and optimize optical metrology technologies. You will interface with software, hardware, and applications teams to define specs, design experiments, and validate performance.

International travel up to 20% is required. The role demands a PhD in optical physics with 5+ years in semiconductor metrology, strong data analysis skills, and hands-on lab experience in prototype systems.

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics.
• 5+ years in a semiconductor capital equipment engineering role, preferably metrology.
• Experience in spectroscopic ellipsometric applications.
• Experience integrating precision optical and optomechanical components.
• Proficiency in Python, Matlab, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Align, optimize, and validate complex optical systems.
• Develop best operational methods for tool performance optimization.
• Design and conduct experiments to characterize and improve metrology systems.
• Create action plans and execute them promptly.
• Prepare internal and external technical presentations.
• Communicate requirements to cross functional teams.

Skills

Optical metrology

Spectroscopic ellipsometry

Python

Matlab

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Interpersonal skills

Hands-on lab

Prototype systems

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Engineering or Sciences (optical physics)

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Data analysis tools

Job description

Onto Innovation is a leader in process control, combining global scale with an expanded portfolio of leading-edge technologies that include: 3D metrology spanning the chip from nanometer-scale transistors to micron-level die-interconnects; macro defect inspection of wafers and packages; metal interconnect composition; factory analytics; and lithography for advanced semiconductor packaging. Our breadth of offerings across the entire semiconductor value chain helps our customers solve their most difficult yield, device performance, quality, and reliability issues. Onto Innovation strives to optimize customers’ critical path of progress by making them smarter, faster and more efficient.Job Summary & ResponsibilitiesThe core responsibilities of the Senior Systems Engineer are to develop new optical metrology technologies, to optimize the performance of existing metrology products, and to communicate those optimization results and methods to the field. The successful candidate will interface with cross functional engineering teams, e.g. software, hardware, and applications scientists, to generate specifications and performance requirements that guide systems development. They will also design and perform experiments that validate those requirements have been met and provide guidance on implementation improvements where needed. Additional responsibilities include support for on site installation of first in fab metrology tools, initial tool matching efforts of those systems, and the generation of procedures and training documents to educate local engineering teams. This will require international travel of up to 20%.Roles & ResponsibilitiesAlignment, optimization, and validation of complex optical systemsDevelopment of best operational methods for tool performance optimizationDesign and conduct experiments to characterize, troubleshoot, and improve optical metrology systemsDevelop plans of action, and execute in a timely mannerGenerate both internal and external technical presentationsClearly communicate requirements and specifications to cross functional teamsQualificationsCandidate for this position must have met minimum requirements to successfully meet expectations for the position:Ph.D. in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics>5 years experience in a semiconductor capital equipment engineering role, preferably metrologyExperience in applications development using spectroscopic ellipsometric toolsExperience in the integration of precision optical and optomechanical componentsProficiency in data analysis using various programming/scripting tools (Python, Matlab, etc.)Excellent analytical capability for systematic troubleshootingPossess good interpersonal skills and willing to work in a team environmentExperience working on prototype systems in a hands-on laboratory settingNew product development and support in the semiconductor spaceThis will require international travel of up to 20%.Why Join Onto Innovation?At Onto Innovation, we believe your work should matter—and so should your well-being. That’s why we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. From health, dental, and vision coverage to life and disability insurance, PTO, and a 401(k) with employer match, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also enjoy access to our Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), wellness initiatives, and cutting-edge tools—all within a collaborative, inclusive culture where your contributions are valued and recognized.Compensation & Growth• Base Salary Range:$128,000.00 - $192,000.00, offered in good faith and based on experience, location, and qualifications.Additional Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities and potential long-term incentives tied to both company and individual success.Empowering Every Voice to Shape the Future:Onto Innovation is committed to creating a workplace where every qualified candidate has an equal opportunity to succeed. We evaluate applicants based on skills, experience, and potential - without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe diversity of thought and background drives innovation and strengthens our team.Important Note on Export ComplianceFor certain positions requiring access to technical data, U.S. export licensing review may be necessary for applicants who are not U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or other protected persons under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).