Development Engineer, Automation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid time off

Job summary

FormFactor, Inc. is seeking a Development Engineer, Automation to design and deploy automation for semiconductor test and manufacturing equipment in Livermore, CA.

The role involves precision machine design, motion control, vision systems, and software integration to improve throughput and reliability. Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams; participate in design reviews; support deployment from concept to validation and production transfer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, validate, and deploy precision automation equipment.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and controls teams to improve manufacturing systems.
• Develop and execute test plans to evaluate machine performance.
• Assist with commissioning, factory acceptance testing, and transfer-to-production.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and setup instructions.
• Support cross-functional project communication and risk management.

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 PDM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

2+ years related experience

Job description

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:

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 & Development

• Support 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 & Validation

• Support 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 Optimization

• Develop 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 Support

• Create 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 Collaboration

• Work 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 PDM

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or equivalent work experience| Required

Pay Range:

$90,500.00 - $118,755.00

Pay 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 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, 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.