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 an Applications Development Engineer focused on developing and deploying inspection solutions for advanced semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. This role is part of the Applications Engineering organization and works closely with Algorithms, Optics, Systems, Software, and Product teams to translate core technology capabilities into production-ready solutions.
This position bridges product development and customer-facing applications, ensuring inspection tools deliver high sensitivity, accuracy, and throughput while meeting real-world manufacturing requirements. You will drive application readiness, validate performance, and enable scalable deployment of inspection solutions across wafer, substrate, and advanced packaging applications.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy working at the intersection of hardware, algorithms, and customer applications, and who want to make a direct impact on yield improvement and product adoption.
Application Development & Optimization
Develop and optimize inspection recipes for defect detection, classification, and measurement across wafers, substrates, and advanced packaging applications.
Algorithms & Data-Driven Inspection
System Integration & Performance Optimization
Debug complex interactions across image acquisition, illumination, motion control, and compute pipelines.
Customer Engagement & Application Deployment
Product & Technology Development Support
Support products across the full lifecycle, including NPI characterization, field deployment, and escalation resolution.
Qualifications
Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
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
$72,080.00 - $108,120.00, offered in good faith and based on experience, location, and qualifications.
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).
