Senior Mechanical Engineer

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

The Foundation Engineering Organization (FEO) develops the shared platforms, mechanical architectures, subsystems, software frameworks, and engineering tools used across all Onto Innovation products. FEO ensures that every Onto product benefits from common design standards, scalable platforms, and robust engineering fundamentals—improving reliability, manufacturability, and time-to-market across the portfolio.

As part of our continued focus on engineering excellence, FEO is seeking a Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer to drive mechanical systems quality, reliability, and performance across foundational modules used throughout Onto Innovation’s capital equipment platforms.

Position Summary

The Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer will lead mechanical system-level performance optimization, root-cause analysis, design-for-reliability enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives across foundational modules and platform subsystems. This person will collaborate closely with mechanical, controls, electrical, and systems engineering teams to identify design risks, surface cross-product mechanical challenges, and implement durable corrective and preventive actions.

This role is ideal for a mechanically oriented engineer who thrives on understanding complex capital equipment systems, eliminating recurring failure modes, improving mechanical robustness, and raising engineering standards across product lines.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical System Performance & Robustness

• Analyze mechanical architecture and subsystem performance across FEO platforms to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical design changes and characterize system performance.
• Lead design-for-reliability initiatives, including fatigue analysis, thermal performance validation, vibration mitigation, and mechanical stability improvements.

Continuous Improvement & Root-Cause Engineering

• Own cross-product mechanical nonconformance investigations and implement structured root-cause methodologies (5-Why, Ishikawa, FMEA, etc.).
• Identify recurring mechanical issues across products and drive systemic corrective actions that strengthen foundational designs.
• Develop standards, guidelines, and engineering best practices for mechanical design and subsystem integration.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with FEO module owners, systems engineering, manufacturing, and field service to understand key mechanical pain points and reliability risks.
• Partner with NPI, Sustaining Engineering, and Quality teams to validate fixes and assess reliability improvements.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly with stakeholders at all levels.

Tools, Methods & Process Improvement

• Improve mechanical test methodology, reliability models, and test infrastructure used across FEO.
• Build analytical frameworks and datasets to track mechanical system performance and drive data‑based decisions.
• Contribute to platform design roadmap discussions and help shape the continuous improvement strategy for FEO mechanical systems.

Qualifications

Required

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical design, reliability engineering, continuous improvement, or capital equipment engineering.
• Strong understanding of mechanical system fundamentals: kinematics, statics/dynamics, thermal effects, material properties, vibration, and precision mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with root-cause analysis, mechanical test setups, data acquisition, and test execution.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred?) and engineering analysis tools (FEA, vibration analysis, tolerance analysis, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional engineering improvements with measurable impact.

Preferred

• Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or other high-precision, high-complexity equipment industries.
• Familiarity with precision motion systems, stages, actuation, and mechanical-optical integration.
• Experience with reliability engineering practices (HALT/HASS, Weibull, FTA, reliability models, DFMEA).
• Working knowledge of Python/MATLAB/JMP for mechanical data analysis and modeling.

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).