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Applications Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Build and optimize scatterometry and ellipsometry models for both Thin Film and OCD applications to ... D. in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics or related ...

Tharros is seeking a Data Scientist to serve as the program's senior analytical authority, leading ... Lead development of Mission Assurance analytical applications within Palantir Foundry, including ...

Everforth ECS is seeking a Data Scientist to work onsite at our Springfield, VA customer's office ... Proficient parsing data in different formats for ML applications * Proficient with Linux shell ...

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Applications Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$52

$84

How much do applications scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for applications scientist in Virginia is $52.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.92 and $60.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applications scientist?

To thrive as an Applications Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific research, data analysis, and product/application expertise, often supported by a degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, specialized software (such as chromatography or spectroscopy programs), and sometimes relevant certifications are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and customer-focused interpersonal skills help you translate technical information and support clients effectively. These skills ensure you can bridge the gap between product development and end-users, driving customer satisfaction and successful product adoption.

What are some common challenges applications scientists face when working with customers on integrating new technologies?

Applications Scientists often encounter challenges such as bridging the gap between complex technical capabilities and the specific needs of end-users. They must translate scientific principles into practical solutions, address unforeseen technical hurdles during product integration, and provide clear documentation and training. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as they frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams—including R&D, sales, and customer support—to ensure successful product adoption and user satisfaction.

What is the difference between Applications Scientist vs Product Specialist?

AspectApplications ScientistProduct Specialist
Required credentialsTypically requires a degree in life sciences, chemistry, or related fields; often a master's or PhDUsually holds a degree in science or engineering; certifications may enhance credibility
Work environmentLaboratory, customer sites, or corporate R&DCustomer-facing, sales, and technical support settings
Employer and industry usageBiotech, pharma, and scientific instrument companiesInstrument and equipment manufacturers, biotech firms

Applications Scientists and Product Specialists often collaborate but focus on different aspects. Applications Scientists primarily support product development and technical validation, while Product Specialists focus on customer engagement and sales support. Both roles require scientific expertise but serve distinct functions within the industry.

What is an applications scientist?

Applications Scientists are professionals who bridge the gap between scientific research and product development by providing technical support, training, and solutions to customers using scientific instruments or software. They work closely with sales, marketing, and research teams to demonstrate how products can be applied to solve specific problems in various industries, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or materials science. Their role often includes conducting product demonstrations, troubleshooting issues, and offering technical expertise to ensure customer success.

Do you need a PhD to be an Applications Scientist?

A PhD is often preferred for Applications Scientist roles, especially in highly specialized fields like biotechnology or pharmaceuticals, but it is not always required. Many positions also consider candidates with a master's degree and relevant experience in scientific research, technical skills, and product knowledge.
What job categories do people searching Applications Scientist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Applications Scientist jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Applications Scientist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,551 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Senior Applications Scientist

Onto

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

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

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

  • The new hire will have the opportunity to work closely with systems engineers to develop metrology solutions for complex multi-layer, optical critical dimension (scatterometry), and overlay measurements for state-of-the-art logic/memory devices. Duties will include application development and characterization of cutting-edge measurement technologies, creating technology/product presentations, and supporting the account/product activities at customer sites.

  • Interface with customers to highlight application opportunities and possibilities to strengthen ONTO position in the market.

  • Perform on-site tool qualification to achieve customer's specifications.

  • Build and optimize scatterometry and ellipsometry models for both Thin Film and OCD applications to support TD and HVM metrology team.

  • Collect future development feedback from the field and dispense it to our engineering & marketing group for future development to improve ONTO position within the market.

  • Deliver technical presentation and perform system demonstration/sample inspection/measurement for customers.

  • Interface with external customers and internal departments to best determine equipment specifications.

  • Aid in the design and development of new equipment or re-design of existing systems to meet customer requirements.

  • Up to 30% of domestic and overseas travel for cross-regional support will be required.

Qualifications

Qualifications

  • 0-3 years of experience and a Bachelor/Master/Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics or related science and engineering field. Will consider experience versus degree.

  • Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.

  • Ability to deliver effective technical presentations to internal and external audiences.

  • Strong understanding of optical properties of materials and other forms of elastic/inelastic light-matter interaction.

  • Experience with design of experiments, data science, statistical analysis, scientific programming is a plus.

  • Proficiency in scripting languages used for data analytics (e.g., MATLAB/Python) is a plus.

  • Knowledge of numerical techniques, Fourier and wavelet analysis, complex analysis, differential equations, and similar applied mathematical techniques is a plus.

  • Ability to travel internationally up to 20%.

  • Ability to work in the fab up to 30%.

Onto Innovation Inc. offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including health/dental/vision/life/disability, PTO, 401K plan with employer match, and an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) along with health & wellness initiatives. We provide a collaborative working environment along with resources, and state-of-the-art tools & equipment to promote success; and a welcoming, inclusive corporate culture where individuals are recognized for their contributions.

Onto Innovation Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

For positions requiring access to technical data, Onto Innovation Inc., Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this position - except US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) - may have to go through an export licensing review process.


ONTO logo

About ONTO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2021