Principal Applications Engineer (SiPh)

About the role

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.

About the role

FormFactor is seeking a Principal Applications Engineer (Silicon Photonics - SiPh) to serve as a recognized technical expert in advanced semiconductor test and measurement solutions, with a primary focus on Silicon Photonics (SiPh) applications. This role will be part of the Systems Business Unit Center of Excellence (CoE), collaborating with a global team of applications experts to translate customer requirements into innovative product solutions while supporting strategic customer engagements worldwide.

The Principal Applications Engineer will lead application development activities, define technical requirements for new products, validate solutions through applications testing, and drive technical excellence throughout the product lifecycle. This role serves as a critical link between customers, Product Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Applications teams, ensuring FormFactor products address emerging market and technology needs.

This position is ideal for a highly experienced technical leader with deep expertise in semiconductor device characterization, optical test methodologies, and Silicon Photonics technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for on-wafer semiconductor device measurements and Silicon Photonics (SiPh) test applications, providing technical leadership across the organization.
• Represent the "voice of the customer" and translate customer requirements, technology roadmaps, and market trends into product requirements and development priorities.
• Lead technical definition, application validation, and demonstration planning for new products throughout the Product Life Cycle (PLC) process.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Product Marketing, Manufacturing, and Global Sales organizations to develop innovative measurement solutions for advanced semiconductor applications.
• Design, execute, and analyze complex application experiments to evaluate product performance and customer use cases.
• Develop application methodologies, best practices, and technical documentation to support successful product deployment.
• Create and deliver advanced technical training programs for Field Applications Engineers, Sales teams, customers, and business partners.
• Develop training materials, hands-on demonstrations, workshops, and laboratory exercises for global deployment.
• Support strategic customer engagements by providing high-level technical consultation, troubleshooting, and solution recommendations.
• Partner with Field Applications Engineers and Sales teams to support key opportunities, technical evaluations, and customer demonstrations.
• Lead and contribute to advanced research initiatives, technology pathfinding activities, and emerging application investigations.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive technologies, and evolving measurement methodologies to maintain technical leadership.
• Participate in customer visits, industry conferences, technical forums, and standards organizations to strengthen customer relationships and expand market knowledge.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multidisciplinary project teams.

Preferred Qualifications & Experiences

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Photonics, or a related field.
• Experience in Applications Engineering, Field Applications Engineering, Technical Sales, or customer-facing technical support roles.
• Knowledge of semiconductor wafer probing systems and automated test environments.
• High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) experience within the semiconductor industry.
• Understanding of semiconductor test methodologies, test automation, and advanced characterization techniques.
• Experience with Silicon Photonics devices and technologies such as Waveguides, Optical transceivers, Photodiodes, VCSELs, Beam optics, and Integrated photonic circuits.
• Familiarity with semiconductor process technologies and advanced packaging environments.
• Understanding of product development and commercialization processes.
• Additional language proficiency in German, Korean, or Mandarin Chinese is a plus.

Skills

Analytical Problem Solving, Business Practices, Communication Presentations, Engaging Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Personal Productivity, Professional Responsibility, Statistical Data Analysis, Statistical Problem Solving, Troubleshooting Errors, Understanding of Requirements, Understanding of Technology

Education & 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 | Required

Pay Range

$94,100.00 - $123,480.00

Pay Range Explained

This role in Beaverton, Oregon 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.