Senior Applications 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

The Senior Applications Engineer serves as a subject matter expert for the ADC (Automated Defect Classification) and Discover Yield product portfolio, driving application development, customer success, and product adoption across global semiconductor customers. This role bridges Product Management, R&D, Customer Support, and Field Applications teams to deliver scalable solutions that improve defect management, yield learning, and manufacturing productivity.

The successful candidate will leverage deep semiconductor process knowledge, data analytics expertise, and customer insights to define best practices, support strategic customer engagements, influence product roadmaps, and accelerate adoption of next-generation yield management solutions

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the application expert for ADC and Discover Yield platforms.

• Develop and deploy Best Known Methods (BKMs) for defect classification, yield analysis, and workflow optimization.

• Support strategic customer engagements, evaluations, and adoption initiatives.

• Analyze inspection, metrology, and yield data to identify opportunities for performance improvement.

• Collaborate with Product Management and R&D to influence product enhancements and roadmap priorities.

• Act as an escalation point for complex application and workflow issues.

• Create technical documentation, training materials, and deployment guidelines.

• Deliver technical training to internal and external stakeholders.

• Partner with global Field Applications and Support teams to ensure successful customer outcomes.

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science, or related field.

• 5+ years of semiconductor industry experience in yield engineering, process engineering, inspection, metrology, or data analytics.

• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing, defectivity management, and yield improvement methodologies.

• Experience with customer-facing technical engagements and cross-functional project leadership.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related technical field.

• Experience with ADC, defect classification, yield management, or manufacturing analytics platforms.

• Knowledge of semiconductor inspection and metrology systems.

• Proficiency with Python, SQL, JMP, MATLAB, or similar analytical tools.

• Familiarity with AI/ML applications for semiconductor manufacturing.

• Experience supporting leading semiconductor manufacturers and mentoring engineers.

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).