Senior Controls Engineer
Onto Innovation
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Milpitas • California • Massachusetts • United States
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Salary
💰 $144,000 - $216,000 per year
Job Level
About the role
- Developing advanced hardware and tooling solutions for next-generation metrology instruments
- Involves the full product lifecycle—from concept development and detailed design to prototyping, testing, and final release
- Work independently or lead small teams depending on project scope
- Define control architecture: components (motors, drives, controllers), and interfaces for motion systems
- Design optical mounts, sub-micron precision adjustment mechanisms, and positioning systems
- Ability to architect mechatronic systems, select motors, sensors, drive components
- Strong control-theory foundation (feedback design, filtering, system dynamics)
- Solve real-world precision issues (vibration, resonance)
- Proficient in motion control, including servo tuning, stage control, and automation mapping
- Recognize and design simple and elegant structures
- Justify and quantify performance-based metrics that led to design decisions
- Finalize design through product release for current and future metrology instruments
- Create clear reports and documentation.
- Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software teams, as well as Operations and Manufacturing.
Requirements
- 5+ years’ experience working as a Controls, Mechanical, or Mechatronic Engineer
- Masters degree or higher in science or engineering preferred
- Proficient in motion control, including servo tuning, stage control, and automation mapping
- Deep understanding of vibration analysis, modal analysis, and VC (Vibration Criteria) standards
- Experience with isolation systems and designing for micron- and nanometer-level accuracy
- Familiarity with system architecture, design requirements, and technical specifications for high-performance systems
- Experience implementing motion control systems
- Experience with microcontrollers, Arduino, Pi
- Proficient with accelerometers and spectrum analyzer to quantify and diagnose vibration
- Skilled with contact and non-contact measurement types, indicators, cap gages, interferometer
- Experience designing mechanical systems for very clean environments (semiconductor, biotech, food systems are all applicable)
- Skill using mathematical modeling software
- Strong background in precision mechanics, mechatronics, and electromechanical system design.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- PTO
- 401(k) with employer match
- Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
- Wellness initiatives
- Access to cutting-edge tools
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
motion controlservo tuningstage controlautomation mappingvibration analysismodal analysismechatronic systemsprecision mechanicselectromechanical system designmathematical modeling software
Soft Skills
leadershipcollaborationproblem-solvingcommunicationreport writing
Certifications
Masters degree in science or engineering