Staff Optical Engineer

Onto Innovation; Wilmington, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

Onto Innovation, based in Wilmington, MA, seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to lead design and development of optical subsystems for nanometer-scale metrology in semiconductor fabs.

You will own projects from concept through validation, spanning UV to IR, with Zemax/Code V modeling, prototyping, and calibration to ensure measurement precision and system stability.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in optical system design and development.
• Experience with Zemax or Code V optical simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of optical performance drivers (aberrations, polarization, scattering, noise, tolerances).
• Hands-on optical prototyping, alignment, and testing.
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis and automation using Python or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of advanced optical systems and modules for semiconductor metrology and inspection.
• Develop optical architectures spanning UV to IR wavelengths, including sources, illumination, imaging optics, and detection strategies.
• Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V), including tolerancing, stray light analysis, and performance optimization.
• Define specifications and collaborate with external suppliers to develop and qualify optical components and assemblies.
• Drive prototyping, integration, and experimental validation of optical subsystems.
• Develop calibration methodologies and procedures to ensure measurement accuracy and system stability.
• Create documentation, test instructions, and integration workflows to support manufacturing, service, and field applications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and algorithm teams to deliver fully integrated solutions.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to optical technology.

Skills

Optical engineering

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Python

MATLAB

Project ownership

Mentoring

Education

MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering/Physics

Tools

Zemax

Code V

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

At Onto Innovation, you will play a key role in developing next-generation optical metrology and inspection systems used in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will contribute to innovations across the full optical stack—from source and illumination design to imaging and detection—supporting AI-driven process control and yield optimization in leading-edge fabs.

• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of advanced optical systems and modules for semiconductor metrology and inspection
• Develop optical architectures spanning UV to IR wavelengths, including sources, illumination, imaging optics, and detection strategies
• Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V), including tolerancing, stray light analysis, and performance optimization
• Define specifications and collaborate with external suppliers to develop and qualify optical components and assemblies
• Drive prototyping, integration, and experimental validation of optical subsystems
• Develop calibration methodologies and procedures to ensure measurement accuracy and system stability
• Create documentation, test instructions, and integration workflows to support manufacturing, service, and field applications
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and algorithm teams to deliver fully integrated solutions
• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to optical technology

Qualifications Required

• MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in optical system design and development
• Proven experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax or Code V
• Strong understanding of optical system performance drivers (e.g., aberrations, polarization, scattering, noise, tolerances)
• Hands-on experience with optical system prototyping, alignment, and testing
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary engineering teams
• Proficiency in data analysis and automation using Python or MATLAB
• Demonstrated ability to own projects, define milestones, and deliver results
• Preferred Experience in semiconductor metrology, inspection, or lithography systems
• Knowledge of advanced optical techniques (e.g., scatterometry, interferometry, ellipsometry, lithography, imaging systems)
• Experience working with suppliers and managing lens development
• Familiarity with high-precision calibration and metrology techniques

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).

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 help 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.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Onto Innovation supports customers with a worldwide sales and service organization. Additional information can be found at http://www.ontoinnovation.com.