Systems Engineer 3

Onto Innovation; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Onto Innovation is seeking a Systems Engineer to support development of new optical metrology technologies, optimize existing products, and communicate results to the field. You will work with software, hardware, and applications scientists to generate specs and performance requirements, design experiments, and guide improvements.

Travel up to 15% may be required. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, prototype development, and collaboration with global teams to advance semiconductor metrology

Qualifications

• Ph.D./MS/BS in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics.
• 2-3 years of experience in complex optical systems, analysis, and applications development including use of broadband light sources for spectroscopy and ellipsometry.
• Experience in application and integration of precision optical and optomechanical components.
• Proficiency in data analysis using Python, Matlab, etc.
• Excellent analytical capability for systematic troubleshooting.
• Experience with semiconductor capital equipment including optical processing, metrology and/or inspection products.
• Experience working on prototype systems in a hands-on laboratory setting.
• New product development and support in the semiconductor space.

Responsibilities

• Alignment, optimization, and validation of complex optical systems.
• Development of best operational methods for tool performance optimization.
• Design and conduct experiments to characterize, troubleshoot, and improve optical metrology systems.
• Develop plans of action, and execute in a timely manner.
• Generate both internal and external technical presentations.
• Clearly communicate requirements and specifications to cross functional teams.

Skills

Optical systems experience

Data analysis (Python, Matlab)

Hands-on laboratory work

New product development

Broadband light sources (spectroscopy/

Education

PhD in Engineering or Sciences (optical physics)

MS in Engineering or Sciences (optical physics)

BS in Engineering or Sciences (optical physics)

Tools

Python

Matlab

Optical metrology 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 & Responsibilities

The core responsibilities of the Systems Engineer are to support development of 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 <15%.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Alignment, optimization, and validation of complex optical systems
• Development of best operational methods for tool performance optimization
• Design and conduct experiments to characterize, troubleshoot, and improve optical metrology systems
• Develop plans of action, and execute in a timely manner
• Generate both internal and external technical presentations
• Clearly communicate requirements and specifications to cross functional teams

Qualifications

Candidate for this position must have met minimum requirements to successfully meet expectations for the position:

• Ph.D. MS or BS in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics
• 2-3 years of experience in complex optical systems, analysis, and applications development including use of broadband light sources for spectroscopy and ellipsometry
• Experience in application and integration of precision optical and optomechanical components
• Proficiency in data analysis using various programming/scripting tools (Python, Matlab, etc.)
• Excellent analytical capability for systematic troubleshooting
• Prior experience with semiconductor capital equipment including working knowledge of optical processing, metrology and/or inspection products
• Experience working on prototype systems in a hands‑on laboratory setting
• New product development and support in the semiconductor space

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: $ - $, 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.