Application scientist, Quality Engineering

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro‑optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting‑edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.

As an Applications Scientist located at Zygo HQ in Middlefield, you will support the development, deployment, and optimization of advanced optical inspection and metrology systems. Your role will bridge R&D, engineering, and customer‑facing teams to ensure our technologies deliver high performance and reliability in real‑world applications.

• Serve as subject matter expert for Zygo optical inspection and metrology products
• Support applications development: system set‑up, recipe creation and optimization, validation, and results presentation
• Plan and execute customer demos, feasibility studies, evaluations, and field trials both onsite and remotely
• Develop and execute test plans; compile, analyze, and present validation data
• Provide technical training and documentation for customers and internal teams
• Translate customer feedback into product enhancements in partnership with the product management team
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams with systems requirements and new product introduction characterization
• Troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement in high‑volume manufacturing environments
• Develop and maintain industry awareness and best‑known methods for applications in optical profiling and related modalities
• Travel domestically and internationally as required (20‑30%)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience with automated optical inspection/metrology systems
• 2+ years with semiconductor inspection/metrology equipment and process engineering with wafer or panel manufacturing
• Background in statistics, statistical process control, applications development, and fundamentals of semiconductor manufacturing processes (lithography, CMP, deposition, etch, and advanced packaging)
• Collaborative communicator, with a customer‑focused mindset, who works cross‑functionally, able to deliver technical information tailored to the audience; attention to detail – able to document process, develop presentations, and training materials
• Able to work independently, take initiative and drive to problem‑solve, often in fast‑paced, multi‑faceted environment
• Data driven and analytical, with experience in test plan development

• Proficiency with Chinese language (oral and written communication) highly preferred

• Master’s or PhD in engineering, physics, or materials science
• Experience with customer‑facing demos, evaluations, and field trials

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo (can change to Zygo Navitar), where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, confident, and safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401(k)), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

As needed:
Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and must be legally authorized to access export‑controlled information and source code.

Employee Type:
Salaried

Salary Minimum: $130,000

Salary Maximum: $160,000

Incentive:
No

Disclaimer:
Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263‑8359.