Legal Counsel Director

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

As Legal Counsel Director, you’ll be the primary legal advisor on various commercial matters across our product lines. You’ll align legal strategy with business objectives, streamline contracting processes, and mitigate risk—enabling our sales, supply chain, and engineering teams to move fast and confidently.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of commercial agreements, including:
  • Equipment sales agreements;
  • Software licensing agreements;
  • Contract manufacturing and supply contracts;
  • Distribution and sales agreements;
  • Service-level and maintenance contracts;
  • Non-disclosure agreements; and
  • Joint development agreements.

• Partner with sales, product, procurement, and R&D to identify legal risks and propose business-friendly solutions.
• Develop and maintain standardized contract templates, playbooks, and approval workflows.
• Monitor and advise on data privacy, export control, ITAR, consumer protection, and other regulatory requirements impacting hardware and software.
• Counsel on intellectual property licensing, open-source compliance, and protection of proprietary technology.
• Manage relationships with external law firms, oversee budgeting, and coordinate litigation or dispute resolution when necessary.
• Deliver training sessions on contract best practices, compliance policies, and emerging legal topics.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an ABA accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar required
• 5+ years of relevant experience as counsel at a law firm or in-house.
• Robust experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating various complex commercial agreements including, without limitation, sales agreements, development agreements, supply agreements, manufacturing agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and software license and SaaS agreements.

• Robust experience in interpreting and explaining contract language and/or complex commercial matters to internal stakeholders.
• Ability to counsel and support company personnel on business matters from time to time as needed.
• Broad-based general corporate experience in various areas of law.
• Facility for complex technology concepts.
• Experience with litigation and/or government contracting processes are pluses but not required.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including adaptiveness to different personalities and international cultures, working with others in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Powerpoint and standard legal memoranda.

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:

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

Empowering Every Voice to Shape the Future:

Onto Innovation is committed to creating a workplace where every qualified candidate has an equal opportunity to succeed. We evaluate applicants based on skills, experience, and potential - without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe diversity of thought and background drives innovation and strengthens our team.

Important Note on Export Compliance

For certain positions requiring access to technical data, U.S. export licensing review may be necessary for applicants who are not U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or other protected persons under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).