Senior Manager, Hardware Engineering

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

Onto Innovation is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Manger of Opto-Mechanical Hardware Engineering to lead the design and development of advanced semiconductor metrology and inspection systems. This role is responsible for managing a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, optical, and hardware engineers while driving the architecture, development, integration, and release of innovative products used by the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical leadership with deep expertise in precision opto-mechanical system design, product development, and cross-functional engineering execution. This individual will play a key role in delivering next-generation metrology solutions that support advanced logic, memory, packaging, and process control applications.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of mechanical, optical, and hardware engineers responsible for semiconductor metrology products.
• Establish technical direction, project priorities, staffing plans, and execution strategies aligned with product roadmaps.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain top engineering talent while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive engineering excellence through effective design reviews, risk management, and technical decision-making.

Product Development

• Lead the design, analysis, and release of precision opto-mechanical subsystems, including:
  • Optical benches and imaging systems
  • Precision motion assemblies
  • Illumination and light source systems
  • Environmental control and thermal management systems
  • Semiconductor wafer handling and positioning mechanisms
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering, Software, Firmware, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Product Management to deliver integrated product solutions.
• Ensure designs meet requirements for performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and serviceability.

Technical Execution

• Guide system architecture and subsystem design for demanding optical and mechanical performance requirements.
• Drive tolerance analysis, structural analysis, thermal analysis, and optical alignment strategies.
• Oversee prototype builds, design verification, system integration, and qualification activities.
• Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions for field and manufacturing issues.

Program Management

• Develop project plans, schedules, resource forecasts, and development budgets.
• Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain program objectives.
• Communicate project status, technical challenges, and resource needs to senior leadership.
• Support product roadmap planning and technology development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of engineering experience developing complex hardware systems.
• 5+ years of engineering management or technical leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of precision opto-mechanical design principles.
• Experience developing complex capital equipment, semiconductor equipment, optical instrumentation, or metrology systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through complete product development cycles.
• Experience with:
• Precision mechanical design
• Optical system integration and alignment
• GD&T and tolerance stack analysis
• CAD design tools (SolidWorks preferred)
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Root cause analysis and problem solving

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:

$144,000.00 - $216,000.00, offered in good faith and based on experience, location, and qualifications.

• Additional Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities and potential long-term incentives tied to 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).