Director of Development Engineering
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Overview
Job Description
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
- Lead a team of optical engineers and Opto Mechanical Engineers in the design, simulation, and development of high-precision optical systems for metrology and inspection platforms.
- Architect optical subsystems for AOI products for semiconductor inspection systems, enabling smaller spot sizes, enhanced signal sensitivity, and advanced measurement precision.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software, and algorithm development) to integrate optical designs into full system solutions.
- Drive the development of new technologies to cover UV to IR wavelength light sources, objectives, and imaging optics.
- Oversee design validation through lab testing, metrology, and performance metrics (e.g., MTF, SNR, wavefront error).
- Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices in optical design documentation, simulation, and prototyping.
- Interface with product management and customers to align optical capabilities with market needs and manufacturing constraints.
Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field experience.
- 15+ years of experience in optical system design, preferably in semiconductor metrology or inspection.
- Expertise in optical modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools).
- Strong understanding of geometrical and physical optics, optical system design, tolerancing, and manufacturability.
- Experience with laser-based systems, spectroscopic techniques, and precision alignment.
- Proven leadership in managing technical teams and delivering complex projects.
- Experience writing requirements, specifications, and working with suppliers to produce custom optics.
- Experience with optical metrology and the testing of optical systems.
- Background in integrating optics with mechanics, motion control, sensors, and embedded systems.
- Experience modeling stray light, ghost reflections and calculating light budgets
- Familiarity with semiconductor process control, semiconductor inspection and metrology techniques.
- Familiarity with next generation logic and memory device architectures such as especially in Gate All Around and High Bandwidth Memory architectures
- Experience working in cleanrooms and understanding of cleanroom protocols.
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
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.
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.