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
This role is intended for a highly experienced systems engineer focused on sustaining semiconductor capital equipment manufacturing operations, supporting technical escalations, improving manufacturability, and driving cross-functional resolution of complex system-level issues.
Position Summary
- The Staff Systems Engineer will serve as a senior technical lead supporting manufacturing, sustaining engineering, and new product transition activities for advanced semiconductor capital equipment systems.
- This role is heavily focused on system-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, manufacturing support, escalation management, and cross-functional coordination between Manufacturing, R&D, Service, Quality, Suppliers, and Operations.
- The ideal candidate combines strong systems engineering fundamentals with hands-on troubleshooting capability across optics, motion systems, controls, software, electronics, and manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead complex technical escalations affecting manufacturing builds, qualification, reliability, and customer readiness.
- Drive systematic root cause analysis (RCA), containment actions, corrective actions, and long-term preventive solutions.
- Provide hands-on support for system integration, subsystem troubleshooting, calibration, and qualification activities.
- Support sustaining engineering activities for released products, including issue trending, failure analysis, and reliability improvements.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and NPI teams to improve manufacturability, scalability, and production readiness.
- Work closely with R&D to identify design weaknesses, process gaps, and recurring field/manufacturing issues.
- Support extended factory and contract manufacturer operations by providing technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and process standardization.
- Review engineering changes (ECOs/ECNs) and assess manufacturing impact, risk, validation requirements, and implementation readiness.
- Develop and improve troubleshooting procedures, build documentation, qualification methods, and manufacturing workflows.
- Analyze system performance data, logs, calibration results, and process metrics to identify trends and systemic issues.
- Support pilot builds, engineering builds, beta systems, and production ramp activities.
- Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, build quality, uptime, and escalation reduction.
- Interface directly with suppliers and cross-functional teams to resolve technical and quality-related issues.
Technical Scope
- Optical metrology systems
- Motion control systems and precision stages
- Spectroscopic ellipsometry and reflectometry systems
- Electro-mechanical assemblies
- Calibration and alignment processes
- System-level troubleshooting and diagnostics
- Manufacturing test systems and automation
- Production qualification and release support
- Failure analysis and data analytics
- Configuration management and change control
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- 10+ years of experience in semiconductor capital equipment, advanced manufacturing systems, or complex electro-mechanical systems.
- Strong hands-on troubleshooting capability at subsystem and system level.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations, sustaining engineering, or technical escalation management.
- Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and cross-functional integration.
- Experience with structured root cause analysis methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with semiconductor metrology or inspection equipment.
- Experience with optical systems, motion systems, precision alignment, or calibration processes.
- Knowledge of manufacturing readiness, NPI processes, and pilot line operations.
- Experience supporting contract manufacturers or extended factory operations.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis, process capability, and reliability improvement methodologies.
- Programming or scripting experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools is a plus.
- Experience with MES, ERP, PLM, or manufacturing data systems is preferred.
Key Competencies
- Technical leadership
- Systems thinking
- Escalation management
- Analytical problem solving
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven decision making
- Manufacturing mindset
- Continuous improvement
- Ownership and accountability
This position is expected to operate with a high degree of technical independence and ownership while serving as a critical bridge between manufacturing, engineering, and product development organizations.
- Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.
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:
$112,000.00 - $168,000.00, 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).
