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
Position Summary
The Applications Engineer III supports the development, validation, and deployment of inspection applications across Onto Innovation’s inspection product portfolio. This role provides hands-on exposure to semiconductor inspection technologies, application development, product validation, and customer-focused workflows.
Working under the guidance of senior engineers, the individual will assist in developing inspection recipes, executing product evaluations, validating software capabilities, and supporting customer demonstrations. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, defect inspection, data analytics, and advanced packaging technologies.
This role operates in a highly collaborative, multinational environment, partnering with engineering teams, field organizations, and customers across North America, Asia, and Europe. The successful candidate must be comfortable working across diverse cultures, time zones, and business environments while supporting global product deployment, customer evaluations, product demonstrations, and technical engagements. The position requires domestic and international travel of up to 30%.
Key Responsibilities
Application Development & Support
Assist in developing and optimizing inspection recipes for defect detection, classification, and process monitoring.
Execute inspection experiments and collect application performance data.
Support the creation of customer-focused workflows and application demonstrations.
Help establish and document Best Known Methods (BKMs) for inspection applications.
Participate in characterization activities for new products and features.
Product Validation & Testing
Execute validation plans for new software releases and inspection capabilities.
Perform application benchmarking and collect performance metrics.
Generate datasets for product evaluation and customer demonstrations.
Document test results and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
Support new product introduction (NPI) activities.
Customer Demonstration Support
Assist with the setup and execution of customer demonstrations and proof-of-concept activities.
Support preparation of demonstration data, reports, and presentation materials.
Help evaluate customer samples and summarize results.
Participate in customer evaluation projects under senior engineering guidance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Applications, Systems, Product Management, Software, and Algorithm teams.
Provide application feedback to improve product functionality and usability.
Support field teams during customer evaluations and technical engagements.
Participate in project reviews and technical discussions.
Data Analysis & Process Improvement
Analyze inspection data to identify trends and optimization opportunities.
Support defect classification and image analysis activities.
Create reports summarizing application performance and validation results.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Documentation & Training
Develop application notes, test reports, and process documentation.
Assist in creating training materials and user guides.
Participate in knowledge-sharing activities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
0–2 years of experience (including internships or co-ops) in semiconductor manufacturing, applications engineering, process engineering, metrology, inspection, or related fields.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and defect inspection fundamentals.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience working effectively in multinational and multicultural environments with geographically distributed teams and customers.
Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple engineering disciplines and organizational levels.
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with semiconductor inspection, metrology, AOI, imaging systems, or advanced packaging solutions.
Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, JMP, SQL, or Excel.
Understanding of image processing, machine learning, or defect classification concepts.
Experience supporting customer demonstrations, evaluations, benchmarking studies, or technical projects.
Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing workflows and yield improvement methodologies.
Experience presenting technical results to customers, management, or engineering teams.
Experience supporting customers and engineering organizations across Asia and Europe
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:
$96,800.00 - $145,200.00, 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).
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Optical, Materials, Physics, Computer, Chemical Engineering or related field
- 0-2 years experience (including internships/co-ops) in semiconductor manufacturing, applications, process engineering, metrology, or inspection
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Working knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and defect inspection fundamentals
- Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
- Experience working effectively in multinational and multicultural environments
- Ability to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines and organizational levels
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%
- Experience with semiconductor inspection, metrology, AOI, imaging systems, or advanced packaging solutions
- Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, JMP, SQL, or Excel
- Understanding of image processing, machine learning, or defect classification concepts
- Experience supporting customer demonstrations, evaluations, benchmarking studies, or technical projects
- Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing workflows and yield improvement methodologies
- Experience presenting technical results to customers, management, or engineering teams
- Experience supporting customers and engineering organizations across Asia and Europe
Onto Innovation Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Onto Innovation and has not been reviewed or approved by Onto Innovation.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase plan and broad equity eligibility provide accessible ownership opportunities as part of total compensation. Company materials reference active equity programs, signaling tangible value beyond base pay.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage with HSA/FSA options form a comprehensive health package that is often characterized as good. Wellness resources and employer-verified plan details reinforce perceived healthcare depth.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match supports long-term financial security. Company materials and benefits pages highlight these retirement features as core elements of the package.
Onto Innovation Insights
What We Do
Onto Innovation is a leader in process control, combining global scale with an expanded portfolio of leading-edge technologies that include: Un-patterned wafer quality; 3D metrology spanning chip features from nanometer scale transistors to large 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. Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Onto Innovation supports customers with a worldwide sales and service organization. We are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ONTO.
