Director of Development Engineering

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 Director of Development Engineering will lead and further develop the engineering organization responsible for designing and delivering advanced systems for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Based in the Netherlands, this role plays a key part in driving innovation in lithography system performance, supporting the rapidly expanding field of advanced semiconductor packaging at the micrometer scale.
This is a highly visible leadership position with both strong technical depth and people leadership responsibilities, operating within Onto’s global engineering organisation and the European high‑tech ecosystem.
 

• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team of approximately 25 system, optical, mechatronics, mechanical, software, and NPI engineers focused on high‑precision lithography systems and modules.
• Provide world-class technical leadership in defining and evolving system architecture across the product portfolio, ensuring alignment with long‑term technology and business roadmaps.
• Drive engineering execution by selecting and managing appropriate outsourcing and/or insourcing partners, ensuring high‑quality project delivery within agreed scope, cost, and timelines.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering teams across Onto’s global sites to align architecture, development practices, and technical priorities.
• Support Product Management, Marketing, and Sales in Customer engagements on new products and product-features.
• Ensure smooth and effective transfer of new products and technologies to Onto’s Manufacturing and Service organizations worldwide.
• Attract, develop, and retain top engineering talent, fostering a culture of technical excellence, openness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a key member of the local management team, contributing to site strategy, operational effectiveness, and organizational leadership.
• Represent Onto as a technical leader within the Eindhoven region, the Netherlands, and the broader European high‑tech community.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in system design and engineering, ideally within the semiconductor industry or other high‑precision, complex technology environments.
• Proven track record in leading system design of complex systems
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex systems across multiple international sites.
• A hands‑on leadership style combining strong technical expertise with a collaborative, people‑focused approach.
• Ability to travel up to (and occasionally exceeding) 25%.

Onto Innovation Inc. offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including health/dental/vision/life/disability, PTO, 401K plan with employer match, and an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) along with health & wellness initiatives. We provide a collaborative working environment along with resources, and state-of-the-art tools & equipment to promote success; and a welcoming, inclusive corporate culture where individuals are recognized for their contributions.

Onto Innovation Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

For positions requiring access to technical data, Onto Innovation Inc., Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this position – except US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) – may have to go through an export licensing review process.