Development Engineer, Automation

FormFactor, Inc.; Ulmar (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Paid time off

Profit-sharing bonuses

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

FormFactor, Inc. is seeking a Development Engineer, Automation in Livermore, CA to design and deploy precise automation for semiconductor test and measurement products. You will work with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to create advanced automated equipment and systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on engineering, design reviews, and qualification activities from concept through deployment, with opportunities to improve throughput, reliability, and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of related experience.
• Experience in automation design, assembly, and validation is preferred.
• Strong hands-on engineering, problem-solving, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate precision automation equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Translate product requirements into automation, motion control, and machine vision solutions.
• Support equipment performance improvements, validation, and deployment to production.

Skills

Autodesk AutoCAD

Automated Vision Systems

Data Analysis

Electrical Testing

Failure Analysis

Mechatronics

Precision Machine Design

PCB Design

Problem Solving

Robotic Motion Control

Robotics

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDMEducation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Machine Vision

Job description

Forming Our Future togetherFormFactor, 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 Development Engineer, Automation to support the design, development, integration, validation, and deployment of innovative automation solutions used in the manufacture of advanced semiconductor test and measurement products. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, this role contributes to the development of highly precise automated equipment and systems that combine mechanical design, motion control, machine vision, controls, and software technologies.The Development Engineer, Automation will collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, systems, and software engineering teams to develop and improve complex manufacturing and test automation platforms. This role requires strong technical problem-solving skills, hands-on engineering capability, and the ability to support projects from concept through validation and deployment.Key Responsibilities:Engineering Design & DevelopmentSupport the design, development, and integration of precision automation equipment, manufacturing systems, and machine subsystems.Assist in translating product and process requirements into practical automation, motion control, and machine vision solutions.Participate in design reviews and contribute engineering recommendations to improve machine functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.Support continuous improvement efforts to enhance equipment performance, throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.Equipment Build, Integration & ValidationSupport the procurement, assembly, integration, and qualification of prototype and production precision machines.Configure, operate, and troubleshoot motion control systems, actuators, sensors, machine vision systems, and measurement equipment.Assist with machine commissioning, factory acceptance testing, and transfer-to-production activities.Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure successful deployment of new equipment and system enhancements.Testing, Analysis & Performance OptimizationDevelop and execute test plans to evaluate machine accuracy, repeatability, reliability, throughput, and overall system performance.Collect, analyze, and interpret engineering data to identify root causes, validate design performance, and drive corrective actions.Evaluate equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve robustness, precision, and long-term reliability.Support troubleshooting activities and perform structured problem-solving to resolve technical issues.Documentation & Engineering SupportCreate and maintain technical documentation including assembly drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), calibration procedures, setup instructions, test reports, and engineering records.Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with engineering standards and change management processes.Assist in creating work instructions, operational procedures, and training documentation for internal stakeholders.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and improve designs.Support project activities by communicating progress, risks, technical findings, and recommendations to project stakeholders.Collaborate with suppliers, technicians, and internal teams to support equipment development, integration, and validation efforts.Skills:Autodesk AutoCAD, Automated Vision Systems, Data Analysis, Electrical Testing, Failure Analysis, Mechatronics, Precision Machine Design, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design, Problem Solving, Robotic Motion Control, Robotics, SolidWorks, SolidWorks PDMEducation & Experience:Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or equivalent work experience | RequiredPay Range:$90,500.00 - $118,755.00Pay Range Explained:This role in Livermore, California pays between $90,500.00 and $118,755.00 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 StatementFormFactor 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, 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.