Principal Test Engineer

Forming Our Future together
FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle — from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Rooted in our core values — Focus on the Customer, Ownership & Accountability, Respectfully & Effectively Communicate, and Motivate & Develop People — we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Everyone can make an impact here. Whether it's improving products, supporting customers, or positively influencing peers and the community, the contributions of our people matter.
Shift
The regular hours for this position are day shift.
Job Description
The
Principal Test Engineer
is responsible for the implementation, qualification, and continuous improvement of test processes and equipment. This role focuses on optimizing test capabilities, performing hands-on testing, conducting failure analysis, and applying statistical methods to ensure robust test performance. The engineer will drive innovation by exploring new technologies, engaging with vendors, and integrating advanced hardware solutions to improve quality and reduce costs.
This position requires strong engineering ownership, ingenuity, and technical leadership in debugging, troubleshooting, and implementing test methodologies to ensure comprehensive coverage for increasingly complex products.
Key Responsibilities

• Design and Development

• Develop and implement advanced testing methodologies, systems, and processes.
• Create test recipes and procedures; monitor process health and provide production support.

• Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze test data, document findings, and generate analytical reports.
• Apply statistical analysis techniques and perform FMEA for risk mitigation.

• Collaboration and Support

• Provide daily sustaining support and issue escalation assistance to technicians.
• Interface with Design Engineering to ensure design for testability and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with internal teams to define and implement overall test strategies.

• Technology and Vendor Management

• Manage qualification of new processes, measurement systems, and test equipment.
• Engage with tooling vendors for training and integration of new technologies.

• Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and quality improvement through new hardware and process innovations.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in testing technologies.

• Hands-On Expertise

• Perform assembly/disassembly of delicate, precision mechanical components.
• Debug and troubleshoot complex test systems and methodologies.
• Skill and ability to perform computer programming on Visual studio
• Programming experience with robots and other automation

Skills
Automation, Collaboration, Computer Programming, Creative Thinking, Detail-Oriented, Microcontrollers, Problem Solving, Process Equipment, Process Testing, Python (Programming Language), Reading Schematics, Robotics, Technical Drawings, Troubleshooting, Visual Studio C#
Education & Experience
Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work | Required
Pay Range
$110,700.00 - $145,320.00
Pay Range Explained
This role in Livermore, California pays between $110,700.00 and $145,320.00 per year, depending on your experience, skills, and background. Pay may vary in other locations. We offer a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, a 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), and paid time off. You’ll also be eligible for quarterly profit-sharing bonuses and flexible spending or savings accounts.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
FormFactor is an equal opportunity employer. FormFactor complies with all national, state, and local laws that seek to promote equal opportunities for any applicant or employee without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity/expression, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, military service, or any other legally protected characteristics. These protections apply to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and compensation.
For roles that are designated as remote-eligible, employees cannot be located in: AL, AK, AR, DE, GA, HI, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, WV, WI, WY. This list is continuously evolving and being updated, please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. A role is remote-eligible only when it is listed as "Remote" in the job location.