Staff Mechanical Engineer

Onto

$115K — $172K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field.
  • 7+ years in opto-mechanical design, especially in semiconductor or precision instrumentation.
  • Strong understanding of optical systems including imaging and laser systems.
  • Proficiency in CAD tools like SolidWorks or Creo.
  • Experience with FEA tools for thermal and structural analysis.
  • Knowledge of precision manufacturing methods and GD&T.
  • Familiarity with tolerance stack-ups.

Responsibilities

  • Design precision opto-mechanical assemblies and structural components.
  • Develop mechanical architectures for optical stability under variable conditions.
  • Conduct tolerance analysis and perform sensitivity studies for optical systems.
  • Collaborate to integrate lasers and imaging systems into designs.
  • Support assembly and calibration with appropriate tooling and fixturing.
  • Conduct FEA to evaluate effects on optical performance.
  • Build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes while developing validation methods.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
  • Wellness initiatives and support for work-life balance.
Full Job Description

Job Summary & Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly skilled Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and support advanced optical-mechanical systems used in next-generation semiconductor metrology equipment. This role requires deep expertise in precision mechanics, optical alignment, and environmental stability for high-accuracy measurement systems operating at sub-micron or nanometer scales.

The ideal candidate will collaborate cross-functionally with optical, electrical, and process engineers to deliver robust, high-performance systems supporting semiconductor inspection and metrology applications.

Key Responsibilities

Opto-Mechanical Design & Development

  • Design precision opto-mechanical assemblies including lens mounts, mirror systems, stages, and structural components.

  • Develop mechanical architectures that ensure optical alignment stability under thermal, vibration, and environmental variations.

  • Perform tolerance analysis for optical systems, including sensitivity studies and error budgets.

System Integration

  • Collaborate with optical engineers to integrate lasers, detectors, imaging systems, and illumination paths.

  • Support alignment strategies and develop fixturing and tooling for assembly and calibration.

  • Ensure mechanical designs meet optical performance requirements such as wavefront error, distortion, and stability.

Analysis & Simulation

  • Conduct FEA (thermal, structural, modal) to evaluate deformation, drift, and vibration effects on optical performance.

  • Perform thermal management design to minimize drift and ensure repeatability in metrology measurements.

  • Analyze and mitigate sources of noise, including mechanical vibration and thermal expansion.

Prototyping & Testing

  • Build and test prototypes; troubleshoot alignment and performance issues.

  • Develop test procedures and validation methods for optical-mechanical subsystems.

  • Work closely with manufacturing to transition designs from prototype to production.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure DFM/DFA compliance.

  • Support supplier selection and evaluate custom optical and precision mechanical components.

  • Participate in system-level design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field.

  • 7+ years of experience in opto-mechanical design, preferably in semiconductor, photonics, or precision instrumentation.

  • Strong understanding of optical systems, including imaging, laser systems, interferometry, or illumination design.

  • Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX).

  • Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for thermal and structural analysis.

  • Knowledge of precision manufacturing methods (CNC machining, EDM, additive, etc.).

  • Familiarity with GD&T and tolerance stack-ups.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with semiconductor metrology or inspection equipment (e.g., scatterometry, CD-SEM, overlay metrology).

  • Understanding of vibration isolation, air-bearing stages, and ultra-stable structures.

  • Experience integrating optical components such as lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, and fiber systems.

  • Knowledge of cleanroom standards and contamination control.

  • Experience with alignment tools such as interferometers, autocollimators, and optical benches.

Key Competencies

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

  • Attention to detail with a focus on precision and accuracy.

  • Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

  • Effective communication and documentation skills.

  • Hands-on mindset with a balance of theoretical and practical expertise.

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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