Principal Systems Engineer

Overview

Onto Innovation is a leader in process control, offering a broad portfolio across the semiconductor value chain. We solve yield, device performance, quality, and reliability issues and help customers progress faster and more efficiently.

Job Summary

Principal Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and validation of complex systems for advanced semiconductor films and OCD metrology equipment. The role requires deep technical leadership across optics, mechanics, electronics, software, and controls. The Principal Systems Engineer will define system-level requirements, ensure cross-functional alignment, and drive technical execution from concept through production. You will serve as the technical authority for solving system-level challenges impacting performance, reliability, and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own system architecture for complex, high-precision equipment.
• Translate product requirements into detailed system specifications and subsystem requirements.
• Lead trade studies, system partitioning, and design decisions across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Serve as the technical lead and decision-maker for system-level design reviews.

Requirements & Interface Management

• Develop, manage, and maintain system requirements, including traceability and validation.
• Define and control system interfaces (mechanical, electrical, optical, software).
• Ensure alignment between subsystem designs and overall system performance requirements.

Integration & Validation

• Lead system integration efforts, identifying and resolving cross-domain issues.
• Develop system-level test plans, validation strategies, and acceptance criteria.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of system performance issues.

Performance & Reliability Engineering

• Establish system error budgets, performance models, and sensitivity analyses.
• Ensure system stability under environmental conditions (thermal, vibration, contamination).
• Lead design for reliability, maintainability, and manufacturability at the system level.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams.
• Interface with product management, manufacturing, quality, and field service teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and influence technical direction across the organization.

Program Execution

• Support project planning, risk assessment, and milestone delivery.
• Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Support customer engagements and translate application needs into system capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Physics, or related field).
• 10+ years of experience in complex system design and integration.
• Proven experience in systems engineering within semiconductor equipment, photonics, aerospace, or precision instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary systems (mechanics, optics, electronics, controls, and software).
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor metrology, inspection, or lithography systems.
• Knowledge of precision motion systems, optics, vacuum systems, or laser-based instrumentation.
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Experience defining system error budgets and performance modeling.
• Exposure to cleanroom environments and high-reliability systems.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong system-level perspective.
• Exceptional problem-solving and debugging skills in complex systems.
• Strong leadership and technical mentorship capabilities.
• Effective communication across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and drive decisions in complex environments.

Why Join Onto Innovation?

Onto Innovation offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. This includes health, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, PTO, and a 401(k) with employer match. You may also participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), wellness initiatives, and tools in a collaborative, inclusive culture where contributions are valued.

Compensation & Growth

• Base Salary Range: $160,000.00 - $240,000.00, offered in good faith and based on experience, location, and qualifications.
• Additional Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities and potential long-term incentives tied to company and individual success.

Equity & Inclusion

Onto Innovation is committed to equal opportunity for all qualified candidates. 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 protected characteristic. Diversity of thought and background drives innovation and strengthens our team.

Export Compliance

For 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).