Senior Manager, Development Engineering

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

Onto Innovation is seeking a visionary Senior Manager of Optical Design and Development to lead the design and advancement of next-generation optical metrology systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. This role will drive innovation in optical architectures that enable precise measurement and inspection of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices, supporting AI-driven process control and yield optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of optical engineers in the design, simulation, and development of high-precision optical systems for metrology and inspection platforms.

• Architect optical subsystems for products such as the Dragonfly G3, enabling smaller spot sizes, enhanced signal sensitivity, and advanced measurement precision

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software, and algorithm development) to integrate optical designs into full system solutions.

• Drive the development of new technologies to cover I-line to IR wavelength light sources, objectives, and imaging optics.

• Oversee design validation through lab testing, metrology, and performance metrics (e.g., MTF, SNR, wavefront error).

• Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices in optical design documentation, simulation, and prototyping.

• Interface with product management and customers to align optical capabilities with market needs and manufacturing constraints.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

• 15 years of experience in optical system design, preferably in semiconductor metrology or inspection.

• Expertise in optical modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools).

• Strong understanding of geometrical and physical optics, optical system design, tolerancing, and manufacturability.

• Experience with laser-based systems, spectroscopic techniques, and precision alignment.

• Proven leadership in managing technical teams and delivering complex projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience writing requirements, specifications, and working with suppliers to produce custom optics.

• Experience with optical metrology and the testing of optical systems.

• Background in integrating optics with mechanics, motion control, sensors, and embedded systems.

• Experience modeling stray light, ghost reflections and calculating light budgets

• Familiarity with semiconductor process control, semiconductor inspection and metrology techniques.

• Familiarity with next generation logic and memory device architectures such as especially in Gate All Around and High Bandwidth Memory architectures

• Experience working in cleanrooms and understanding of cleanroom protocols.

Onto Innovation Inc. offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including health/dental/vision/life/disability, PTO, 401K plan with employer match, and an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) along with health & wellness initiatives. We provide a collaborative working environment along with resources, and state-of-the-art tools & equipment to promote success; and a welcoming, inclusive corporate culture where individuals are recognized for their contributions.

Onto Innovation Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

For positions requiring access to technical data, Onto Innovation Inc., Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this position - except s, US Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) - may have to go through an export licensing review process.

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