About this Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer role at FormFactor
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:
We are seeking a Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer to join our Boulder Operations team supporting the manufacturing of our Quantum Cryogenic product portfolio. This role independently owns complex manufacturing process development, design transfer, and technical risk reduction across cryogenic and semiconductor test product lines.
Drawing on deep process engineering expertise, this position converts R&D and prototype knowledge into controlled, scalable manufacturing processes. The role provides technical guidance to junior engineers and leads cross-functional problem solving that directly impacts production quality, repeatability, and schedule. This engineer serves as a recognized technical authority within Manufacturing Engineering and contributes to advancing overall manufacturing readiness and process maturity.
Key Responsibilities:
Process Development & Design Transfer
Lead complex process development and design transfer activities, converting R&D and prototype builds into validated, production-ready manufacturing processes.
Define and execute process validation plans, readiness gate deliverables, and SOP development.
Establish manufacturing methods for technically complex assemblies where processes are not yet fully defined.
Process Ownership & Execution
Own assigned manufacturing process areas with minimal oversight, including process definition, tooling/fixture requirements, documentation, and validation.
Ensure processes are controlled, repeatable, and scalable across product lines.
Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
Independently solve manufacturing challenges of diverse scope and moderate-to-high complexity.
Lead structured root cause investigations using methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams.
Drive corrective and preventive actions for recurring or complex process issues.
Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
Analyze manufacturing, quality, and yield data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/6S/PDCA methodologies.
Establish and track KPIs; deliver measurable improvements in First-pass yield, Defect reduction, Cycle time, and Rework rates.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & DFM
Conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with Product Engineering.
Provide structured feedback on process risk, assembly complexity, and production feasibility.
Represent Manufacturing Engineering in design reviews and technical forums.
Risk Identification & Mitigation
Identify and communicate manufacturing risks impacting quality, repeatability, or schedule.
Partner cross-functionally to proactively develop and implement mitigation strategies.
Documentation & Standards
Develop and maintain comprehensive manufacturing documentation, including Process flow maps, Work instructions and travelers, and Process qualification records.
Establish and standardize best practices across product lines.
Leadership & Technical Guidance
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.
Promote best practices in process engineering, documentation, and manufacturing standards.
Work Environment:
Combination of office and laboratory/manufacturing floor environment.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed.
Use of standard office and lab equipment (computers, test setups, tools).
Travel: Up to 15%.
Skills:
Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Cryogenic Systems, Data Analysis, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Engineering Change Order (ECO), Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing (GD&T), Manufacturing Process Design, Manufacturing Process Engineering, Manufacturing Process Validation, New Product Introduction (NPI), Process Development (PD), Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Process Flow Documentation, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Semiconductor Manufacturing, Writing Work InstructionsEducation & 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 | RequiredPay Range:
$94,100.00 - $123,480.00Pay Range Explained:
This role in Boulder, Colorado 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.
