Director of Pilot Line Operations

Onto Innovation

23d

About The Position

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 We are seeking a strategic and technically adept Director of New Product Introduction (NPI) to lead the seamless transition of advanced inspection and metrology equipment from R&D into full-scale production. This role is critical in optimizing engineering design for manufacturability, ensuring product quality, and accelerating time-to-market for next-generation semiconductor capital equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Optical Engineering; PhD preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor capital equipment, with a strong focus on inspection/metrology systems.
• Proven track record in leading NPI programs from concept through volume production.
• Deep understanding of precision engineering, optics, sensors, and complex system integration.
• Expertise in DFM, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and quality systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with global manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Familiarity with PLM systems, ERP tools, and advanced analytics.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• NPI Strategy & Execution Develop and lead the NPI roadmap for inspection and metrology products, aligning cross-functional teams across R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Drive early engagement with design teams to influence product architecture for manufacturability, scalability, and serviceability.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Quality Implement DFM principles throughout the product lifecycle to reduce cost, improve yield, and enhance reliability.
• Collaborate with quality and reliability engineering to embed robust validation and testing protocols into the design phase.
• Cross-Functional Leadership Act as the primary interface between R&D and Operations, ensuring design intent is preserved while meeting production requirements.
• Facilitate design reviews, risk assessments, and phase-gate processes to ensure readiness for volume manufacturing.
• Process Development & Optimization Lead the development of manufacturing processes, tooling, and automation strategies tailored to complex optical, mechanical, and electronic subsystems.
• Partner with global suppliers and internal teams to ensure supply chain readiness and scalability.
• Performance Metrics & Continuous Improvement Define and track KPIs for NPI success including yield, cycle time, cost, and quality.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives based on post-launch feedback and field performance.

Benefits

• Onto Innovation Inc. offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including health/dental/vision/life/disability, PTO, 401K plan with employer match, and an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) along with health & wellness initiatives.
• We provide a collaborative working environment along with resources, and state-of-the-art tools & equipment to promote success; and a welcoming, inclusive corporate culture where individuals are recognized for their contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees