Staff Systems Engineer

Onto Innovation•Milpitas, CA

17d

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 highly motivated and detail-oriented NPI (New Product Introduction) Service Systems Engineer to drive service readiness efforts for semiconductor inspection and metrology product launches. This engineer will work within a cross-functional, international team including R&D, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Field Service. The role bridges the gap between development engineering and field service, ensuring products are designed and delivered with optimal serviceability and support infrastructure to enable successful deployment and maintenance in high-volume fab environments. This position requires strong system-level knowledge and analytical ability. The engineer will gain product expertise across multiple inspection and metrology systems using a wide range of optical technologies, participate in the manufacturing pilot line with an emphasis on serviceability, develop and qualify service documentation, and deliver early training to field service, installation, and training teams. Travel is required (up to and exceeding 50%) to support product development at remote sites, early customer engagements, and high-level field escalations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
5+ years of experience in systems engineering, service engineering, or NPI roles, preferably in semiconductor capital equipment.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Proactive self-starter and strong team player capable of leading and completing complex projects efficiently.
Strong problem-solving and creative skills with the ability to make sound decisions based on accurate, quantitative, and timely analyses.
High attention to detail and ability to thoroughly document work.
Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle and service engineering principles.
Experience with diagnostics, troubleshooting, and technical documentation.
Willingness to travel up to 50% or more for field support and training.

Nice To Haves

Experience with hardware/software systems in semiconductor, medical devices, or related industries.
Familiarity with PLM systems, service documentation platforms, and training development tools.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

Service Readiness Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Product Management, Manufacturing, Field Service, etc.) to define and communicate service requirements early in the product lifecycle.
Influence product design to optimize field serviceability, diagnostics, and maintainability.
Develop and execute a comprehensive service readiness plan aligned with product launch timelines.
Create and validate service documentation including troubleshooting guides, installation manuals, maintenance procedures, and repair instructions.
Optimize preventive maintenance processes for efficiency and reliability.
Work with supply chain and engineering to define spare parts lists, part numbers, and stocking strategies; ensure parts are in place at product release.
Perform hands-on testing to qualify and provide feedback on tool performance and serviceability.
Validate calibrations, diagnostic tools, error reporting mechanisms, and service specifications.
Ensure cost of service goals are met and well understood.
Collaborate with service sales and marketing to develop service strategy and service product offerings.
Support & Training Coordinate beta support plans at customer sites with engineering, supply chain, ramp, and field service teams.
Develop initial training curriculum for early support teams including field service, ramp, and TPS.
Conduct “Train the Trainer” sessions and assist in developing full training courses for global deployment.
Support beta shipments to validate service processes and gather feedback.
Provide on-site support for new product escalations (“fly-and-fix”), particularly during early customer engagements.
Serve as a liaison between field teams and engineering to resolve complex service issues and drive continuous improvement.
Incorporate lessons learned into final service strategy and documentation.