Staff Systems 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

Position Summary
Onto Innovation is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to provide senior-level systems engineering leadership for advanced semiconductor inspection and metrology products. This individual contributor will define system requirements, drive architecture and interface decisions, support integration and verification, resolve cross-subsystem issues, and serve as a technical authority for complex customer and product development programs. The role is primarily on-site in Wilmington, Massachusetts, with travel up to 40%.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead requirements definition, system architecture, interface management, trade studies, verification planning, integration strategy, risk analysis, and technical issue resolution for semiconductor inspection and metrology systems.
• Translate customer, market, and product needs into clear engineering requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Partner with hardware, software, optics, automation, manufacturing, field service, technical product support, product management, marketing, supply chain, operations, and strategic customers.
• Mentor engineers, improve systems engineering discipline, support customer escalations, and drive closure of complex technical risks.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of engineering experience, including significant systems engineering responsibility for complex equipment, semiconductor capital equipment, precision instrumentation, automation, optics, imaging, software-enabled systems, or related high-technology products.
• Demonstrated expertise in requirements management, systems architecture, interface control, integration and test, verification and validation, technical risk management, and customer-facing technical problem solving.
• Ability to work independently, influence without formal authority, and drive results across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor inspection, metrology, lithography, process control, advanced packaging, optics, imaging, motion control, robotics, automation, software integration, and customer acceptance testing.
• Familiarity with requirements tools, issue tracking systems, configuration management, reliability engineering, and formal product development processes is preferred.
• INCOSE certification, Six Sigma, PMP, or equivalent systems engineering credentials are beneficial.

Education Requirements

• Minimum education: bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optical engineering, physics, computer engineering, robotics, or a related technical discipline.
• Preferred education: master’s degree or Ph.D. in engineering or applied science.
• Equivalent experience may substitute for advanced education when supported by demonstrated systems engineering leadership.

Success Characteristics

• Successful candidates demonstrate strong communication, analytical problem solving, independent technical judgment, assertiveness, ownership, execution discipline, cross-functional influence, and the ability to operate effectively with limited direction.
• First-year success includes closing high-priority systems issues, improving requirements clarity, strengthening integration readiness, mentoring engineers, and increasing customer confidence in system-level technical execution.

Working Conditions and Travel
This role is primarily on-site in Wilmington, Massachusetts, with domestic and international travel up to 40%. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and work safely in laboratory, manufacturing, cleanroom, customer-site, and office environments. Must comply with company safety standards and customer-site requirements.

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).