Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

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

FormFactor is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and qualify precision mechanical systems for advanced semiconductor wafer probing and test equipment. As a senior individual contributor, you will lead complex mechanical design initiatives with significant technical autonomy, developing innovative solutions that enable highly accurate, reliable, and repeatable wafer test and measurement systems.

This role is responsible for the design and optimization of precision positioning systems, wafer handling mechanisms, probe interfaces, and motion-controlled assemblies that support leading-edge semiconductor technologies. The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate closely with electrical, controls, systems, manufacturing, and product development teams to deliver robust mechanical solutions that meet demanding performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical System Design & Development

• Lead the design and development of complex mechanical components, assemblies, and subsystems for semiconductor wafer probing and test equipment.
• Design precision mechanical systems including positioning stages, motion platforms, alignment mechanisms, positioners, and structural assemblies.
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions that balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and serviceability.
• Drive mechanical designs from concept through prototype, validation, production release, and lifecycle support.

• Design and support wafer chuck, wafer handling, wafer alignment, and probe positioning systems.
• Integrate precision motion components including motors, actuators, encoders, sensors, bearings, and linear guide systems.
• Optimize system performance to achieve stringent requirements for accuracy, repeatability, stability, and throughput.
• Evaluate and improve precision mechanisms supporting advanced semiconductor testing applications.

• Perform detailed engineering analysis including tolerance stack-ups, structural analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), thermal modeling, and vibration analysis.
• Conduct design trade-off studies to optimize mechanical performance and reliability.
• Develop test plans, validation methodologies, and acceptance criteria for mechanical systems and subsystems.
• Evaluate prototype performance and implement design improvements based on data-driven analysis.

• Partner closely with controls, electrical, systems, software, and manufacturing engineers to integrate motion control, automation, and hardware solutions.
• Support system-level integration, debugging, and qualification activities.
• Participate in architecture reviews, design reviews, risk assessments, and technical feasibility evaluations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product realization and scalability.

• Build, assemble, and evaluate mechanical prototypes and engineering development units.
• Conduct testing to verify system performance, precision, repeatability, stiffness, thermal stability, and reliability.
• Analyze experimental results and implement corrective actions to resolve performance gaps.
• Support engineering verification, design qualification, and product release activities.

• Lead troubleshooting efforts involving mechanical, thermal, alignment, vibration, and motion-control related issues.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Identify opportunities for product improvements, cost reductions, reliability enhancements, and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the product lifecycle.

• Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation including CAD models, drawings, specifications, bills of materials, test plans, reports, and engineering change documentation.
• Apply GD&T principles and engineering standards to ensure product quality and manufacturability.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on mechanical design methodologies and best practices.
• Serve as a key technical contributor on complex development projects and strategic engineering initiatives.

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related engineering field.
• Experience with precision mechanical systems, automation, semiconductor equipment, robotics, or similar high-performance equipment.
• Strong mechanical design experience using 3D CAD and engineering drawings.
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance analysis, FEA, and mechanical system analysis.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional engineering environment.

3D Cad Modeling, Mechanical Design, SolidWorks, Vibration Analysis

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

$94,100.00 - $123,480.00

Pay Range Explained

This role in Beaverton, Oregon pays between $94,100.00 and $123,480.00 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.