Senior Systems Engineer - Semiconductor Capital Equipment

About the role

The Senior Systems Engineer, Module & System Characterization will lead characterization, validation, and functional performance assessment of foundational modules and integrated subsystems used across Onto Innovation’s capital equipment portfolio. This role is critical in bridging early engineering concepts with production-ready solutions. You will work hands-on with mechanical, optical, electrical, and software modules to quantify performance, develop characterization methodologies, and ensure robust integration into next-generation systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in systems engineering roles supporting semiconductor capital equipment or complex electromechanical platforms.
• Demonstrated experience leading system, module, or subsystem characterization, validation, and performance assessment across multiple engineering domains.
• Strong systems-level thinking, with the ability to decompose requirements, define interfaces, and translate early concepts into verifiable, production-ready designs.
• Hands-on experience working with precision mechanical, optical, electrical, and software-enabled modules within complex integrated systems.
• Proven expertise developing test strategies, characterization methods, and validation plans to quantify system performance and identify design margins.
• Able to diagnose complex technical issues using data-driven analysis, root-cause methodologies, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Experience working in advanced R&D environments, where requirements evolve and design maturity increases over time.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical findings and trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders.