Staff Optical Engineer

Onto Innovation • Wilmington, MA

3d

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. At Onto Innovation, you will play a key role in developing next-generation optical metrology and inspection systems used in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will contribute to innovations across the full optical stack—from source and illumination design to imaging and detection—supporting AI-driven process control and yield optimization in leading-edge fabs.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in optical system design and development
• Proven experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax or Code V
• Strong understanding of optical system performance drivers (e.g., aberrations, polarization, scattering, noise, tolerances)
• Hands-on experience with optical system prototyping, alignment, and testing
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary engineering teams
• Proficiency in data analysis and automation using Python or MATLAB
• Demonstrated ability to own projects, define milestones, and deliver results

Nice To Haves

• Experience in semiconductor metrology, inspection, or lithography systems
• Knowledge of advanced optical techniques (e.g., scatterometry, interferometry, ellipsometry, lithography, imaging systems)
• Experience working with suppliers and managing lens development
• Familiarity with high-precision calibration and metrology techniques

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of advanced optical systems and modules for semiconductor metrology and inspection
• Develop optical architectures spanning UV to IR wavelengths , including sources, illumination, imaging optics, and detection strategies
• Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V), including tolerancing, stray light analysis, and performance optimization
• Define specifications and collaborate with external suppliers to develop and qualify optical components and assemblies
• Drive prototyping, integration, and experimental validation of optical subsystems
• Develop calibration methodologies and procedures to ensure measurement accuracy and system stability
• Create documentation, test instructions, and integration workflows to support manufacturing, service, and field applications
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and algorithm teams to deliver fully integrated solutions
• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to optical technology

Benefits

• health coverage
• dental coverage
• vision coverage
• life insurance
• disability insurance
• PTO
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• wellness initiatives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior