Staff Optical Engineer — Nanometer Metrology + AI Yield

Onto Innovation; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 115,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with match

ESPP

Job summary

Onto Innovation is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to lead the design and development of optical subsystems for nanometer-scale metrology in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. You will drive from source to detection, shaping architectures across UV to IR wavelengths and guiding calibration and validation processes.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and algorithm teams while mentoring engineers and advancing optical technology.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 design

Python or MATLAB

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Project ownership

Automation

Education

MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Onto Innovation is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to lead the design and development of optical subsystems for nanometer-scale metrology in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. You will drive from source to detection, shaping architectures across UV to IR wavelengths and guiding calibration and validation processes.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and algorithm teams while mentoring engineers and advancing optical technology.