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
Onto Innovation is seeking a highly motivated Optical Engineer to join our metrology systems development team. In this role, you will design, develop, characterize, and deploy advanced optical systems used in next-generation semiconductor metrology products. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of precision optical architectures, imaging subsystems, illumination systems, spectroscopic measurement channels, and pattern recognition (PR) imaging systems that enable industry-leading measurement performance.
You will work within a multidisciplinary engineering team including systems, software, electrical, mechanical, and algorithm engineers to deliver innovative solutions for semiconductor manufacturing.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop optical systems for semiconductor metrology applications, including imaging, spectroscopy, scatterometry, and ellipsometry.
- Define optical architectures, component specifications, tolerances, and performance budgets.
- Develop and optimize illumination, collection, and imaging channels for measurement and pattern recognition applications.
- Perform optical modeling and simulation using tools such as Zemax, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent.
- Analyze optical performance, image quality, polarization effects, signal-to-noise ratio, stray light, aberrations, and throughput.
- Support prototype assembly, optical alignment, calibration, and system integration activities.
- Design and execute experiments to validate optical subsystem performance and correlate results to system-level requirements.
- Investigate and resolve optical performance issues identified during development, manufacturing, or customer deployment.
- Collaborate with suppliers to specify and qualify lenses, filters, light sources, detectors, gratings, and other optical components.
- Document designs, test plans, and engineering results while participating in technical design reviews.
- Support transfer of optical designs into manufacturing and field deployment.
Qualifications
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with 5+ years of related experience.
- Strong knowledge of geometric optics, physical optics, polarization, imaging systems, and radiometry.
- Experience designing and analyzing complex optical systems.
- Familiarity with optical simulation and design tools such as Zemax, CODE V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent.
- Experience with laboratory optical alignment, characterization, and troubleshooting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
- 5+ years of related experience
- Strong knowledge of geometric optics, physical optics, polarization, imaging systems, and radiometry
- Experience designing and analyzing complex optical systems
- Familiarity with optical simulation and design tools such as Zemax, CODE V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent
- Experience with laboratory optical alignment, characterization, and troubleshooting
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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.
