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 Senior Applications Engineer is responsible for leading the development, validation, and deployment of advanced inspection solutions across Onto Innovation’s inspection product portfolio. Serving as a key technical leader within the Product Lifecycle (PLC) Applications Development organization, this role drives product readiness, application innovation, customer adoption, and technology commercialization.
The successful candidate will work closely with Product Development, Systems Engineering, Software, Algorithms, Product Management, Marketing, and Customer-facing organizations to transform emerging technologies into scalable, production-ready customer solutions. This position plays a critical role in New Product Introduction (NPI), strategic customer engagements, application development, competitive benchmarking, and roadmap validation across wafer inspection, advanced packaging, and semiconductor manufacturing applications.
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 strategic business initiatives. The position requires domestic and international travel of up to 30%.
Application Development & Technical Leadership
Lead development and optimization of advanced inspection recipes for defect detection, classification, process monitoring, and yield improvement applications.
Drive application strategies supporting wafer inspection, advanced packaging, heterogeneous integration, and emerging semiconductor technologies.
Product Validation & New Product Introduction (NPI)
Develop and execute comprehensive validation plans covering sensitivity, accuracy, throughput, nuisance rate, repeatability, and production readiness.
Customer Demonstrations & Strategic Engagements
Lead technical demonstrations for customers, executive reviews, product launches, and marketing initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate closely with Systems, Optics, Software, Algorithms, Product Management, Marketing, and Business Units.
Data Analytics & Performance Optimization
Documentation, Knowledge Transfer & Training
Develop application guides, validation reports, best practices, deployment procedures, and technical documentation.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 5+ years of experience in semiconductor inspection, metrology, applications engineering, process engineering, yield engineering, or related fields.
Master's degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline with 2+ years of industry experience in semiconductor inspection, metrology, applications engineering, process engineering, or related technical fields.
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience with semiconductor inspection, AOI, metrology, advanced packaging, process control, or yield enhancement solutions.
Knowledge of machine learning, image processing, computer vision, and Automated Defect Classification (ADC) technologies.
Proficiency with analytical and data science tools such as Python, MATLAB, SQL, JMP, or equivalent platforms.
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
$115,200.00 - $172,800.00, 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).
