Senior Applications Scientist

Onto Innovation•Milpitas, CA

2d•$115,200 - $172,800

About The Position

Onto Innovation is a process-control company with technologies serving the semiconductor value chain, including metrology, defect inspection, materials analysis, factory analytics, and lithography. The Senior Applications Scientist advances metrology solutions to address evolving customer needs and supports complex measurement systems used in semiconductor and integrated-circuit manufacturing. The role focuses on solutions for multilayer thin-film and optical critical-dimension measurements at advanced technology nodes, including collaboration with partners on X-ray materials and CD-SAXS solutions. The position involves initiating and conducting scientific research, assessing the feasibility of applying scientific concepts to potential inventions and products, and planning and executing laboratory research. The scientist works across customer Applications teams and internal AI/ML, Software, and Engineering teams; develops validation methodologies, test cases, acceptance criteria, and technical documentation; contributes to patent applications and technical publications; and trains customers. Domestic and international travel is required to work with customers and collaborators, and the role includes conference calls across global time zones. Onto Innovation describes its culture as collaborative and inclusive, with contributions valued and recognized. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and base salary range of $115,200 to $172,800, with annual bonus opportunities and potential long-term incentives. Certain positions may require U.S. export licensing review for applicants who are not U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other protected persons under applicable law.

Requirements

Ph.D. or above in Materials Science, Optics, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science.
Experience with software modeling, statistics, data analysis, or fitting-concept software such as MATLAB or Python.
Strong understanding of semiconductor device structures and applications.
Ability to troubleshoot problems systematically to determine root causes and identify and thoroughly test solutions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a team.
Excellent project and time-management skills.

Nice To Haves

Optical simulation experience is highly desirable.
Experience with semiconductor structures or applications including Logic, GAA, DRAM, NAND, and/or advanced thin-film structures is preferred.
Fresh Ph.D. graduates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Drive the metrology solutions development cycle to advance technology in response to evolving customer needs.
Initiate, design, develop, execute, and implement scientific research projects; investigate the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions and products; and plan and execute laboratory research.
Work closely with partners and lead collaboration on X-ray solutions, including materials and CD-SAXS, from the Applications Development side.
Support high-level applications of complex measurement systems used in semiconductor and integrated-circuit manufacturing, contributing to multilayer thin-film and optical critical-dimension measurement solutions for advanced technology nodes.
Participate in developing patent applications and, as needed, coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts.
Serve as the technical liaison between customer Applications teams and internal AI/ML, Software, and Engineering teams.
Develop validation methodologies, test cases, acceptance criteria, and technical documentation for new capabilities.
Produce technical publications and train customers on technical topics.
Travel to domestic and international locations to work with customers and collaborators.
Participate in conference calls across global time zones.