Fab Startup & Operations Manager

FormFactor, Inc.; Farmers Branch (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

EAP

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with match

ESPP

Paid time off

Job summary

FormFactor, Inc. in Farmers Branch, TX is seeking a Manufacturing Section Manager to lead VPS Operations in a high-growth startup environment.

You will establish foundational manufacturing systems, workforce readiness, and operational discipline to launch and scale fab operations. The ideal candidate has strong manufacturing leadership with startup and workforce development experience, plus a track record in implementing scalable manufacturing systems in semiconductor or precision environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading manufacturing supervisors and operators.
• Experience in semiconductor, wafer fab, cleanroom, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Experience building manufacturing operational systems prior to production launch.
• Experience supporting MES/manufacturing systems implementation.
• Experience with workforce readiness, onboarding, and operator certification programs.
• Experience supporting 24/7 manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operational readiness activities prior to production launch.
• Support operations startup execution, workstation readiness, and operational stabilization.
• Develop and implement standardized work, escalation processes, and operational routines.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Facilities, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing Systems teams during startup phases.
• Support factory flow optimization and manufacturing layout readiness.
• Own key critical metrics: OEE, Cycle Time.
• Lead new hire onboarding program and certification programs.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, certification, and workforce ramp activities.
• Build scalable operator training and operational readiness systems.
• Develop front-line supervisors and manufacturing teams.
• Establish shift operating structures and accountability systems.
• Foster strong operational culture centered on safety, quality, teamwork, and accountability.
• Support implementation and stabilization of MES/manufacturing applications.
• Develop KPI management systems and visual operational controls.
• Support staffing models, labor planning, and production readiness assessments.
• Establish manufacturing operating rhythms and communication structures.
• Lead daily VPS manufacturing operations across multiple shifts.
• Drive performance related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and workforce effectiveness.
• Support escalation management and operational issue resolution.
• Reinforce contamination control, ESD, and operational compliance requirements.
• Drive improvements in: Workforce readiness, Operational execution, Equipment and resources utilization, Productivity, Workflow efficiency, Manufacturing discipline, Data-driven decision making.

Skills

Capacity Planning

Continuous Improvement

Cross-Functional Leadership

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Factory Startup

Leadership

Manufacturing Operations

Manufacturing Scale-Up

Semiconductor Manufacturing

Ship Operations

Staff Planning

Team Management

Workforce Planning

Work Readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience

Minimum of 8 years related experience with a Bachelor's or 6 years with Master's / 3 years with PhD

Tools

MES systems

Manufacturing systems implementation

Job description

FormFactor, Inc. in Farmers Branch, TX is seeking a Manufacturing Section Manager to lead VPS Operations in a high-growth startup environment.

You will establish foundational manufacturing systems, workforce readiness, and operational discipline to launch and scale fab operations. The ideal candidate has strong manufacturing leadership with startup and workforce development experience, plus a track record in implementing scalable manufacturing systems in semiconductor or precision environments.