The posting
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
About Onto Innovation
Onto Innovation is a semiconductor process control capital equipment company delivering advanced metrology, inspection, lithography, and process control software solutions. Our tools help the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers improve yield, device performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
About the Foundation Engineering Organization (FEO)
The Foundation Engineering Organization (FEO) develops the shared platforms, electrical and mechanical subsystems, software frameworks, and engineering tools that support all Onto Innovation products. FEO drives standardization, scalability, reliability, and engineering excellence across our product portfolio.
To expand our foundational electrical technology capabilities, FEO is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in triggering systems and PCBA design to support next‑generation platform architectures and high‑performance system timing.
Position Summary
The Electrical Engineer 3 – Triggering & PCBA Design will lead the design, development, and validation of high‑precision triggering electronics and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that serve as core components for Onto Innovation’s capital equipment platforms. This engineer will design low‑latency, deterministic trigger architectures; integrate precision timing circuits; and develop robust PCBAs that ensure accurate system synchronization, motion coordination, sensor acquisition, and metrology performance.
This is a senior technical role requiring strong electrical design depth, systems integration experience, and the ability to collaborate across multiple engineering functions to drive foundational platform capability.
Key Responsibilities
Triggering Architecture Design
- Design and implement high‑precision, low‑latency electrical triggering circuits used across Onto platforms.
- Develop deterministic timing architectures for synchronization of optics, motion, sensing, image acquisition, and metrology subsystems.
- Define trigger interfaces, electrical standards, and timing specifications for cross‑product reuse.
PCBA Design & Development
- Lead schematic design, PCB layout reviews, component selection, and design validation for trigger‑related and general-purpose platform PCBAs.
- Ensure compliance with electrical performance requirements, EMI/EMC robustness, thermal constraints, and reliability specifications.
- Collaborate with supply chain and manufacturing to ensure strong DFM/DFT outcomes and reliable build quality.
System Integration & Validation
- Work with systems engineering to integrate trigger electronics into platform modules and system‑level architectures.
- Perform circuit bring‑up, debug, functional testing, and characterization of timing performance.
- Lead root‑cause investigations for electrical timing, jitter, sync instability, or triggering failures across product lines.
Standards, Documentation & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and maintain electrical triggering standards, best practices, and platform documentation.
- Establish common trigger hardware and interface architectures that simplify adoption across product groups.
- Identify and drive improvements in electrical timing accuracy, jitter performance, and system synchronization reliability.
Qualifications
Required
- BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
- 5+ years of electrical engineering experience in PCBA design, embedded electronics, timing circuits, or triggering systems.
- Deep knowledge of timing circuits, signal integrity, jitter management, clock distribution, and low‑noise analog/digital integration.
- Proficiency with PCB design tools (Altium, OrCAD, Cadence) and lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators).
- Experience designing hardware for precision motion systems, high‑speed sensors, metrology, or complex electro‑mechanical systems.
- Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.
Preferred
- Experience in semiconductor capital equipment, robotics, or precision instrumentation.
- Background in mixed‑signal design and integration of analog front‑ends with digital control electronics.
- Knowledge of reliability engineering (DFMEA, root‑cause analysis, environmental/thermal testing).
- Experience working with EMS partners and with manufacturing transfer processes.
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:
$115,200.00 - $172,800.00, 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).
