Principal Mechanical 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

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of hardware engineers, fostering a culture of technical growth, innovation, and accountability.

• Technical Vision: Define the technical direction and roadmap for critical hardware subsystems, such as image sensors, high-power lasers, precision motion stages.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Own hardware R&D programs from concept through prototype testing to final production release.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Systems, Software, Optics, and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and solve complex system-level challenges.

• Process Improvement: Identify and implement best practices for hardware design, testing, and manufacturing to enhance product quality and engineering efficiency.

• Problem Solving: Lead root-cause analysis for complex hardware failures and support customer escalations with technical expertise. 

Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.

Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering
• Experience: Typically requires 7+ years of engineering experience with at least 3+ years in a leadership or people management capacity.
• Technical Proficiency: Subject matter expertise in areas relevant to Onto's core business, such as advanced sensors, optics, precision motion stages, lasers.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, drive execution against milestones, and manage global stakeholders

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).