Staff R&D Scientist

About Onto Innovation

Onto Innovation leads in process control technology, offering a diverse portfolio that includes 3D metrology from nanometer-scale transistors to micron-level die-interconnects, wafer and package macro defect inspection, metal interconnect composition analysis, factory analytics, and lithography tailored for advanced semiconductor packaging. The company supports customers across the semiconductor value chain by tackling critical yield, device performance, quality, and reliability challenges. Onto Innovation focuses on accelerating customers’ progress by enhancing their efficiency and intelligence.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Staff R&D Scientist to join our advanced metrology and analytics research team based in Singapore. This role involves leading hands-on algorithm development and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to innovate, prototype, validate, and deploy AI-driven data analysis algorithms that improve optical metrology capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with application scientists, product management, and marketing to interpret customer needs and bridge technology gaps.
• Invent and develop novel concepts employing machine learning and AI to resolve customer challenges, working both independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Gather and analyze technical data, perform comprehensive literature reviews, and suggest new methodologies or enhancements for existing algorithms.
• Design, prototype, and optimize algorithms to effectively address specific technical problems.
• Validate, benchmark, and implement algorithms aimed at enhancing optical metrology performance.
• Define new features based on R&D discoveries, author clear software requirements, and work closely with software engineering to ensure successful product integration.
• Create and execute test plans to assess algorithm performance, reliability, and production readiness.
• Contribute significantly to innovative technology advancements, delivering solutions that generate measurable value for customers and the company.

Candidate Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Chemical Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Optics, Mathematics, Statistics, or related disciplines.
• Typically requires 7 or more years of experience in R&D, algorithm development, machine learning, modeling, scientific computing, or semiconductor metrology, though candidates with fewer years may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional expertise and impact.
• Strong foundation in data analysis, machine learning, signal processing, scientific computing, estimation and optimization, statistics, and data visualization.
• Proven track record of machine learning and AI research within academic or industrial settings, with the ability to transform traditional challenges into well-defined AI projects and deliver tangible results.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and C++, with significant experience using machine learning libraries like Scikit-learn. Skilled in at least one deep learning framework (PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX) and knowledgeable about large language models, reinforcement learning, and generative AI.
• Experience building and deploying large-scale models for scientific or industrial applications.
• Demonstrates intellectual honesty, urgency, and commitment to project completion.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting technical content to peers and senior management alike.
• Background in semiconductor or related manufacturing industries is advantageous or a strong motivation and aptitude to quickly gain domain knowledge is required.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time is preferred.
• Capability to work effectively both independently in a fast-paced environment and collaboratively across departments including R&D, applications, software development, and integration.

Additional Information

Onto Innovation offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), and wellness initiatives. The work environment is inclusive and collaborative, equipped with modern tools and resources, and recognizes individual contributions.

Onto Innovation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any legally protected status.

For roles involving access to technical data, export licensing may be required from relevant U.S. government agencies. Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents may need to undergo an export license review process.