Development Engineer, Automation at FormFactor in Livermore, CA

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 stakeho