Technical Writer 1 at Onto Innovation in Hillsboro-OR

Technical Writer 1

Location: Hillsboro-OR

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

Position Summary

The Technical Writer will be responsible for planning, creating, editing, organizing, and maintaining technical content throughout the product lifecycle. Documentation will include product requirements, functional specifications, system architecture descriptions, operating procedures, service manuals, training materials, release documentation, and customer-facing technical content.

The ideal candidate can quickly learn complex technical concepts and transform them into clear, accurate, and user-focused documentation suitable for engineers, service personnel, manufacturing teams, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and maintain technical documentation for semiconductor metrology products.
• Develop and manage: Product specifications System architecture documents Theory of operation documents User manuals Service and maintenance procedures Factory acceptance and installation procedures Training materials and presentations Release notes and software documentation Internal engineering best practices and process documentation
• Work directly with Systems Engineers, Optical Engineers, Software Engineers, Applications Scientists, and Product Managers to gather technical information.
• Participate in design reviews and engineering meetings to capture technical content and product changes.
• Ensure documentation accuracy and consistency across product releases.
• Establish and maintain documentation standards, templates, and style guidelines.
• Coordinate document reviews and approval workflows.
• Support product launches by delivering complete documentation packages on schedule.
• Manage documentation repositories within SharePoint and other document management systems.
• Drive continuous improvement of engineering and customer-facing documentation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, English, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of technical writing experience in engineering, semiconductor equipment, instrumentation, optics, or other highly technical industries.
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex technical concepts and communicate them clearly.
• Strong document organization, editing, and project management skills.
• Experience developing documentation from engineering source material.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Word, and document management systems.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within semiconductor capital equipment, metrology, inspection, lithography, or process control industries.
• Familiarity with optical systems, spectroscopy, imaging systems, motion control, or automation equipment.
• Experience documenting software applications, APIs, and user interfaces.
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles and product development processes.
• Experience creating multimedia training materials and eLearning content.
• Familiarity with Adobe Technical Communication Suite or similar authoring tools.
• Experience with structured authoring approaches such as DITA or XML-based documentation systems.

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:

$51,120.00 - $76,680.00, 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).