Staff Applications Scientist

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

System Performance & Technical Leadership:

• Drive performance optimization projects across the Atlas III+ and Atlas V platforms, including:
  1. Execution of III+ to V system upgrades
  2. Tool-to-tool (T2T) matching initiatives
  3. Implementation of best-known methods (BKMs) for throughput, matching, and stability
• Collaborate closely with onsite engineers to ensure effective deployment and validation of technical improvements.

Customer Engagement & Communication:

• Lead structured weekly meetings with Intel stakeholders to align on sustaining topics, upgrades, roadmap initiatives, and tool performance.
• Act as the primary system-level interface for Intel D1D, facilitating cross-team coordination and transparent communication.
• Document, track, and escalate issues to ensure timely resolution and proactive engagement.

Global Team Mentorship & Enablement:

• Provide technical mentorship to Onto’s global Intel system applications team, ensuring strong system-level ownership and issue response across the installed base.
• Share best practices and promote consistent knowledge transfer to improve execution efficiency and support quality.

Strategic Alignment & Roadmap Support:

• Support technical discussions related to roadmap features, upgrade paths, and capability enhancements based on Intel feedback.
• Collaborate with Onto’s internal engineering and product teams to prioritize improvements that address customer pain points and long-term roadmap needs.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in semiconductor equipment support or systems engineering, preferably in metrology or process equipment.
• Strong hands-on experience with hardware upgrades, system diagnostics, and performance tuning.
• Excellent communication skills with a track record of customer-facing technical support.
• Ability to lead cross-functional discussions and mentor junior engineers.
• Experience working with Intel or in a high-volume manufacturing fab is a plus.

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.