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.

The Applications Engineer III supports the development, validation, and deployment of inspection applications across Onto Innovation’s inspection product portfolio. This role provides hands‑on exposure to semiconductor inspection technologies, application development, product validation, and customer‑focused workflows. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, the individual will assist in developing inspection recipes, executing product evaluations, validating software capabilities, and supporting customer demonstrations. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, defect inspection, data analytics, and advanced packaging technologies.

This role operates in a highly collaborative, multinational environment, partnering with engineering teams, field organizations, and customers across North America, Asia, and Europe. The successful candidate must be comfortable working across diverse cultures, time zones, and business environments while supporting global product deployment, customer evaluations, product demonstrations, and technical engagements. The position requires domestic and international travel of up to 30%.

• Assist in developing and optimizing inspection recipes for defect detection, classification, and process monitoring.
• Execute inspection experiments and collect application performance data.
• Support the creation of customer‑focused workflows and application demonstrations.
• Help establish and document Best Known Methods (BKMs) for inspection applications.
• Participate in characterization activities for new products and features.

• Execute validation plans for new software releases and inspection capabilities.
• Perform application benchmarking and collect performance metrics.
• Generate datasets for product evaluation and customer demonstrations.
• Document test results and communicate findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities.

• Assist with the setup and execution of customer demonstrations and proof‑of‑concept activities.
• Support preparation of demonstration data, reports, and presentation materials.
• Help evaluate customer samples and summarize results.
• Participate in customer evaluation projects under senior engineering guidance.

• Work closely with Applications, Systems, Product Management, Software, and Algorithm teams.
• Provide application feedback to improve product functionality and usability.
• Support field teams during customer evaluations and technical engagements.
• Participate in project reviews and technical discussions.

• Analyze inspection data to identify trends and optimization opportunities.
• Support defect classification and image analysis activities.
• Create reports summarizing application performance and validation results.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop application notes, test reports, and process documentation.
• Assist in creating training materials and user guides.
• Participate in knowledge‑sharing activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 0–2 years of experience (including internships or co‑ops) in semiconductor…