Staff Mechanical Engineer

Onto Innovation Job Opportunity

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

The role involves applying the Onto Innovation product development process from concept through manufacturing release, with strong emphasis on control system architecture, integration, and validation for precision semiconductor capital equipment. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading mechanical and mechatronic design with a focus on dynamics-informed design to enable high-performance motion control.
• Developing and supporting motion control systems including servo loop design, tuning, and optimization.
• Performing dynamic system analysis including modal analysis and vibration characterization.
• Conducting controls-driven design analysis including tolerance stack-up and FEA with focus on dynamic behavior.
• Defining and validating control performance requirements including positioning accuracy, stability margins, and system-level error budgeting.
• Participating in system integration and commissioning including servo tuning, prototype bring-up, and debugging control instabilities.
• Supporting system-level characterization and validation including frequency response measurement and compliance with SEMI standards.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with controls, electrical, and software teams to define control architectures and ensure alignment between mechanical design and control performance.
• Supporting multiple programs by delivering controls-aware designs that meet schedule, cost, and performance targets.
• Providing technical support to manufacturing, service, and customers for motion performance issues, root cause analysis, and field improvements.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field with strong emphasis on dynamics, controls, or mechatronics.
• 7+ years of experience in precision mechanical/mechatronic systems with hands-on motion control and servo tuning experience.
• Strong fundamentals in control systems engineering, structural dynamics and vibration analysis, and system identification and frequency-domain analysis.
• Experience with servo tuning tools and motion controllers, multi-axis stage systems, and sensors and feedback systems.
• Proficiency in FEA tools for dynamic and thermal modeling and troubleshooting complex system-level performance issues.
• Familiarity with semiconductor equipment or similar high-precision, high-bandwidth motion systems.
• Understanding of compliance standards with respect to system performance and safety.
• Strong ability to diagnose and resolve control-performance limitations and communicate complex control concepts clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.

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).