Lead Mechanical Architect: Precision Motion for Wafer Probes

FormFactor, Inc.; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 94,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Paid time off

Profit-sharing bonuses

Job summary

FormFactor, Inc. in Beaverton, Oregon seeks a Mechanical Architect to define and own the mechanical architecture for advanced wafer probing and test systems.

You will design precision motion, chucking, and wafer handling solutions, and collaborate with controls and electrical teams to deliver high-performance, repeatable systems. You will lead architecture from concept through prototype validation, qualification, release, and production ramp, balancing performance, manufacturability,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in precision motion systems, positioning stages, servo systems, actuators, encoders, and advanced mechanical mechanisms.
• Strong experience with semiconductor equipment, preferably wafer probers, precision test systems, or related capital equipment.
• Experience designing wafer chuck systems, wafer alignment methodologies, and wafer positioning architectures.
• Strong understanding of Mechanical dynamics, Structural stiffness, Vibration control, Thermal stability, Precision positioning systems, and Tolerance analysis.
• Experience integrating mechanical, electrical, sensor, controls, and software subsystems into complex electromechanical platforms.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and influence engineering decisions across multiple disciplines.
• Experience with Chuck controllers, Force and position control systems, Closed-loop feedback architectures, Linear motors and servo systems, Air bearings and precision stages, Flexure-based mechanisms, and High-performance encoder technologies.
• Knowledge of vibration isolation systems, modal analysis, and dynamic modeling techniques.
• Experience with high-precision optical alignment, metrology, probing, or test systems.
• Customer-facing experience supporting installation, qualification, production ramp, and continuous improvement activities within semiconductor fabrication environments.
• Experience utilizing SolidWorks, Creo, FEA tools, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent engineering analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical architecture activities from concept development through prototype validation, qualification, release, and production ramp.
• Evaluate design tradeoffs involving performance, manufacturability, reliability, serviceability, scalability, and cost.
• Drive root cause investigations and resolution of complex technical issues affecting product performance or customer operations.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and technology roadmaps.
• Provide system-level leadership across mechanical, electrical, controls, software, optical, automation, and manufacturing disciplines.
• Drive technical decision-making through engineering analysis, experimental validation, and data-driven methodologies.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical oversight on critical subsystem and system-level decisions.
• Collaborate with suppliers, development partners, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful implementation of designs.
• Support customer installations, system qualification activities, factory acceptance testing, and production ramp efforts.
• Investigate and resolve complex field issues involving precision positioning, wafer handling, motion control, and mechanical performance.
• Partner with customers and internal teams to identify future technology requirements and performance improvements.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher (relatedfield)

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

FEA tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

FormFactor, Inc. in Beaverton, Oregon seeks a Mechanical Architect to define and own the mechanical architecture for advanced wafer probing and test systems.

You will design precision motion, chucking, and wafer handling solutions, and collaborate with controls and electrical teams to deliver high-performance, repeatable systems. You will lead architecture from concept through prototype validation, qualification, release, and production ramp, balancing performance, manufacturability,