Senior R&D Scientist

About Onto Innovation

Onto Innovation leads in process control technologies, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced solutions including 3D metrology from nanometer-scale transistors to micron-scale die interconnects, macro defect inspection for wafers and packages, metal interconnect composition analysis, factory analytics, and advanced semiconductor packaging lithography. Their expertise spans the entire semiconductor production chain, assisting clients in overcoming challenges related to yield, device performance, quality, and reliability. Onto Innovation is committed to accelerating customer progress by delivering intelligent and efficient tools and technologies.

Role Overview

The Senior R&D Scientist position is part of the Advanced Analytics team operating between Milpitas, California and Singapore. This role demands a self-driven professional skilled in developing innovative AI and machine learning algorithms that improve optical metrology. The scientist will collaborate intensively across diverse teams including R&D scientists, software developers, and application scientists to prototype, validate, and implement sophisticated AI-driven data analysis methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with application scientists, product managers, and marketing to gather and analyze customer needs and identify technological gaps.
• Develop novel machine learning and AI-based solutions independently and as part of cross-functional teams to address customer challenges.
• Gather technical data, perform literature reviews, and propose improvements or new methodologies.
• Design, prototype, refine, and benchmark algorithms to find the most effective solutions for target problems.
• Validate and implement cutting-edge algorithms that enhance optical metrology processes.
• Define new product features based on R&D insights, create clear software specifications, and work with engineering teams to drive product integration.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to ensure algorithm performance, stability, and readiness for deployment.
• Lead innovative technology development initiatives that generate significant value for customers and business units.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in engineering or physical sciences.
• At least 4 years of experience in machine learning research, engineering, or related fields.
• Demonstrated history of AI research in academia or industry with a strong innovative mindset and ability to translate traditional challenges into impactful ML/AI projects delivering measurable results.
• Proficient programming in Python, MATLAB, or R, with extensive experience using machine learning libraries like Scikit-learn, as well as deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
• Hands-on knowledge of large language models, reinforcement learning, and generative AI technologies.
• Experience designing and deploying large-scale scientific or industrial ML models.
• High integrity and motivation to complete projects efficiently.
• Strong communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical information to both peers and senior leadership.
• Additional expertise in optical simulation, estimation and optimization, signal processing, statistics, or data visualization is advantageous.
• Background in semiconductor manufacturing or related industries is preferred, or a demonstrated strong willingness to learn metrology domains rapidly.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% as needed.
• Capability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, iterative environment or collaboratively across departments.

Additional Information

Onto Innovation provides competitive compensation with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employer contributions, an Employee Stock Purchase Program, and wellness initiatives. The company fosters an inclusive, collaborative workplace with access to modern tools and resources valuing individual contribution.

Onto Innovation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in hiring practices. Employment consideration is offered regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Certain roles require export licensing approval from U.S. regulatory bodies. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or protected individuals may be subject to export licensing review processes.