Senior Systems Engineer - Semiconductor Capital Equipment

Onto

• $115K — $172K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in systems engineering or related field
  • Strong background in mechanical, optical, electrical, or software modules
  • Expertise in module/system characterization and validation
  • Experience in R&D environments with evolving design processes
  • Proven ability to develop characterization methodologies
  • Demonstrated analytical skills and systems thinking

Responsibilities

  • Lead characterization and validation of foundational modules
  • Assess functional performance of integrated subsystems
  • Bridge early engineering concepts to production-ready solutions
  • Work hands-on with various technical modules
  • Quantify performance metrics and ensure robust integration
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine designs
  • Develop and document characterization methodologies

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) policy
  • 401(k) plan with employer match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
  • Access to wellness initiatives
  • Collaborative and inclusive company culture
Full Job Description

Job Summary & Responsibilities

About the Foundational Engineering Group

Our Foundational Engineering Group (FEG) develops common platforms, systems, software frameworks, and engineering tools used across all Onto Innovation products. FEO serves as an enabling technology organization, building the core modules and architecture that new products leverage for scale, reliability, and accelerated time‑to‑market.

To support our next generation of product platforms, FEO is expanding our Pilot / New Product Introduction (NPI) team with a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer specializing in module and system characterization.

The Senior Systems Engineer, Module & System Characterization will lead characterization, validation, and functional performance assessment of foundational modules and integrated subsystems used across Onto Innovation’s capital equipment portfolio. This role is critical in bridging early engineering concepts with production-ready solutions. You will work hands‑on with mechanical, optical, electrical, and software modules to quantify performance, develop characterization methodologies, and ensure robust integration into next-generation systems.

This role requires strong systems thinking, deep analytical capability, and comfort working in an advanced R&D environment where clarity evolves as designs mature.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.

  • 6+ years of experience in systems engineering roles supporting semiconductor capital equipment or complex electromechanical platforms.

  • Demonstrated experience leading system, module, or subsystem characterization, validation, and performance assessment across multiple engineering domains.

  • Strong systems‑level thinking, with the ability to decompose requirements, define interfaces, and translate early concepts into verifiable, production‑ready designs.

  • Hands‑on experience working with precision mechanical, optical, electrical, and software‑enabled modules within complex integrated systems.

  • Proven expertise developing test strategies, characterization methods, and validation plans to quantify system performance and identify design margins.

  • Ability to diagnose complex technical issues using data‑driven analysis, root‑cause methodologies, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

  • Experience working in advanced R&D environments, where requirements evolve and design maturity increases over time.

  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical findings and trade‑offs to cross‑functional stakeholders.

  • Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.

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

• Base Salary Range:

$115,200.00 - $172,800.00, offered in good faith and based on experience, location, and qualifications.

  • Additional Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities and potential long-term incentives tied to both company and individual success.

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