Staff Optical Engineer

Onto Innovation; Budd Lake (NJ); On-site; USD 115,200 - 172,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Job summary

Onto Innovation is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to design and implement optical metrology solutions for semiconductor manufacturing. You will lead projects, working closely with experienced cross-functional teams to ensure optical system accuracy and reliability.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, has hands-on testing experience, and is knowledgeable in optical principles. A competitive salary range of $115,200.00 to $172,800.00 along with comprehensive benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• Foundational knowledge of optical principles.
• Hands-on experience with optical testing and alignment.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize optical subsystems for semiconductor manufacturing.
• Support optical measurement method development.
• Work with engineers to integrate optical components.

Skills

Optical laboratory testing

Optical principles knowledge

Data analysis using MATLAB

Technical documentation

Collaboration in cross-functional teams

Education

Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

Optical simulation tools (Zemax, Code V, COMSOL)

Programming languages (Python, Excel)

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 & Responsibilities

The Staff Optical Engineer will lead and support the design, development, and implementation of optical metrology solutions used in semiconductor manufacturing processes. This role involves working closely with experienced engineers and cross‑functional teams to help ensure the accuracy and reliability of optical systems for wafer measurement and inspection. The Staff Optical Engineer will contribute to system development, testing, and continuous improvement efforts in alignment with production and quality goals.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize optical subsystems for metrology and inspection tools used in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Support the development and implementation of optical measurement methods such as interferometry, ellipsometry, or scatterometry for wafer inspection and process monitoring.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, software, and process engineers to help integrate optical components and systems into semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
• Participate in characterizing and evaluating optical system performance, helping to identify opportunities to improve measurement accuracy, stability, and throughput.
• Assist with prototyping activities and laboratory testing of optical systems, including data collection, analysis, and documentation of results.
• Help diagnose and resolve optical system issues under the guidance of senior engineers, contributing to root‑cause analysis and corrective actions. Create and maintain technical documentation for designs, test procedures, and experimental results in accordance with internal standards.
• Support interactions with vendors and suppliers by helping evaluate components and verify that specifications meet system requirements.
• Learn industry best practices and emerging optical metrology techniques while building technical knowledge through mentorship and hands‑on experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field
• Foundational knowledge of optical principles including geometrical optics, physical optics, and optical instrumentation
• Hands‑on experience with optical laboratory testing, alignment, or characterization (academic, internship, or industry experience)
• Familiarity with at least one optical simulation or design tool (e.g., Zemax, Code V, COMSOL, or similar)
• Basic understanding of optical metrology techniques such as interferometry, ellipsometry, or scatterometry
• Experience analyzing experimental data using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or Excel
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross‑functional engineering environment.

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: $115,200.00 – $172,800.00, 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 Compliance

For 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).