Principal R&D Scientist

Onto Innovation

. Conduct advanced X-Ray research supporting next-generation metrology solutions for semiconductor manufacturing .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $160,000 - $240,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in advanced X-Ray research and metrology solutions, with a strong focus on developing and optimizing X-Ray techniques and machine-learning algorithms for data analysis. Proficient in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Or Chemical EngineeringAdvanced X-Ray Techniques (XRD, XRR, XRF, CD-SAXS)Machine Learning And AI Methods For Data AnalysisPython, MATLAB, JMP For Data ProcessingGauge Repeatability And Reproducibility Testing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

X-Ray ResearchData AnalysisElectromagnetic ModelingInverse Problem SolvingMetrology ValidationExperimental Method OptimizationStatistical InferenceSignal ProcessingCalibration MethodsMeasurement Accuracy

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsCollaboration With Multidisciplinary TeamsIndependent Work Capability

Tools & Technologies

X-Ray Metrology EquipmentScientific Computing ToolsStatistical Analysis Tools

Industry Keywords

Semiconductor ManufacturingMetrology SolutionsSynchrotron ResearchNational Laboratory ExperienceMeasurement System Analysis

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonRay

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct advanced X-Ray research supporting next-generation metrology solutions for semiconductor manufacturing
Perform X-Ray experiments, collect and analyze measurement data, develop theoretical models, and create physics-based and machine-learning algorithms
Develop and optimize X-Ray metrology techniques including XRD, XRR, XRF, and CD-SAXS
Execute routine alignment and maintenance of X-Ray metrology equipment
Develop calibration methods and procedures to maintain measurement accuracy
Coordinate and perform data collection on standard reference and engineering samples
Conduct Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility testing and qualify tool stability and measurement precision
Design and test measurement recipes and optimize collection strategies for throughput and signal-to-noise ratio
Develop physical models using rigorous electromagnetic methods to fit X-Ray data and solve inverse problems
Develop and optimize machine-learning and AI-based data-analysis algorithms
Process datasets using Python, MATLAB, JMP, or comparable tools to identify trends, anomalies, and correlations with reference techniques
Establish error budgets and uncertainty estimates to validate metrology detection and quantification limits
Present research findings and milestones to internal and external stakeholders
Generate weekly work summaries, technical reports, white papers, and presentations
Deliver technical transfer packages to product and software engineering teams for production-ready solutions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related technical field with a strong academic background in X-Ray science
Deep understanding of the physics and instrumentation of advanced X-Ray techniques, with hands-on experience in data analysis for CD-SAXS, XRD, XRR, or XRF
Experience conducting X-Ray experiments at a synchrotron, national laboratory, or comparable advanced research facility
Experience optimizing experimental methods for throughput, sensitivity, precision, and signal-to-noise performance
Experience with rigorous electromagnetic modeling, scattering theory, computational physics, or related simulation techniques
Familiarity with X-Ray hardware configurations and incorporating system non-idealities into theoretical simulations
Experience developing analytical or numerical methods for inverse-problem solving, optimization, parameter estimation, signal processing, and statistical inference
Familiarity with uncertainty quantification, error-budget development, Gauge R&R, measurement-system analysis, and metrology validation
Demonstrated experience using Python, MATLAB, JMP, or comparable scientific-computing and statistical-analysis tools
Experience developing machine learning or AI methods for scientific data analysis, physical-system modeling, parameter extraction, or inverse problems
Excellent communication skills and ability to present technical materials to working-level peers and senior management internally and externally
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary and geographically distributed stakeholders
Ability to travel up to 25%

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
PTO
401(k) with employer match
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
Wellness initiatives
Cutting-edge tools
Annual bonus opportunities
Potential long-term incentives tied to company and individual success
Collaborative, inclusive culture