Principal Software 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 We are seeking a highly experienced Software Engineer / Technical Lead to provide technical leadership and hands‑on software development for advanced semiconductor inspection and metrology platforms. This is a senior individual contributor role responsible for software architecture, system integration, technical problem solving, and delivery of critical NPD software capabilities. The successful candidate will work across software, hardware, optics, automation, and applications teams to develop reliable, scalable, and maintainable solutions for complex capital equipment systems. The ideal candidate combines deep software engineering expertise with strong system‑level thinking, hardware‑software integration experience, and the ability to influence technical direction across cross‑functional teams without direct people management responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior individual contributor and technical lead for new product development by translating product objectives, customer needs, and system requirements into executable technical plans, software designs, measurable deliverables, and clear engineering tasks.
• Drive technical decision‑making for software tradeoffs involving performance, reliability, maintainability, scalability, serviceability, platform reuse, and long‑term architectural health.
• Develop production‑quality software using modern engineering practices and object‑oriented design.
• Contribute to software quality, reliability, maintainability, and platform reuse initiatives.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, optics, applications, manufacturing, and service teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Troubleshoot complex software and system‑level issues spanning application software, hardware interfaces, motion control, automation, and field deployments.
• Mentor engineers through technical guidance, code reviews, and engineering best practices.
• Communicate program status, risks, tradeoffs, technical decisions, and recovery plans clearly to leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.

Qualifications Required

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of software development experience delivering complex hardware‑integrated systems.
• Experience integrating software with electromechanical systems, automation platforms, or scientific instrumentation.
• Background in C#, .NET, C++, or similar object‑oriented languages.
• Experience developing multi‑threaded, distributed, or high‑performance applications.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, system design, debugging, and root‑cause analysis.
• Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and influence engineering teams through expertise and collaboration.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and cross‑functional teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor inspection, metrology, wafer handling, recipe management, factory automation, or SECS/GEM, equipment diagnostics.
• Experience supporting customer escalations, factory acceptance, system qualification, and field introduction of complex equipment platforms.
• Experience with optics, motion control, robotics, or precision instrumentation.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies, CI/CD, and automated testing.

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). 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 help 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.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Onto Innovation supports customers with a worldwide sales and service organization. Additional information can be found at