Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer

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.

The regular hours for this position are day shift.

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.

• •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.

• •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.

• •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.

• •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.

• •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.

• •Identify and communicate manufacturing risks impacting quality, repeatability, or schedule.
• •Partner cross-functionally to proactively develop and implement mitigation strategies.

• •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.

• •Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.
• •Promote best practices in process engineering, documentation, and manufacturing standards.

• •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%.

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 Instructions

$94,100.00 - $123,480.00

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.