Principal RF Engineer

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 highly skilled Principal RF Engineer to support the development, characterization, and optimization of advanced RF products for high-frequency applications. This role combines electromagnetic modeling, hands-on RF measurement, data analysis, and first-principles engineering to solve complex product and measurement challenges.

The Principal RF Engineer will translate product requirements into clear engineering requirements and deliverables, develop and validate RF models, characterize product performance, and investigate irregularities through a combination of simulation, laboratory experimentation, and analytical problem-solving. This position works closely with engineering, design, Advanced Applications, and manufacturing teams while also providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff.

Key Responsibilities

RF Design, Modeling & Characterization

• Analyze product requirements and translate them into well-defined engineering requirements, specifications, and deliverables.
• Utilize advanced electromagnetic simulation and RF design tools to develop and evaluate models for high-frequency applications.
• Plan and execute RF measurements to validate models, correlate simulated and measured performance, and support the transition from modeling to physical prototypes.
• Measure and verify new RF products against established design parameters and performance requirements.
• Apply RF characterization techniques, including S-parameters, time-domain reflectometry (TDR), and dielectric characterization, as appropriate to product development and validation.
• Support RF calibration and measurement methodologies across high-frequency applications.

Technical Analysis & Problem Solving

• Identify, investigate, and resolve irregularities in RF device performance using data analysis, first-principles analysis, simulation, and controlled experimentation.
• Analyze complex RF measurement data to identify performance trends, root causes, and opportunities for design improvement.
• Develop experimental approaches to validate technical hypotheses and resolve challenging RF performance issues.
• Correlate simulation, laboratory measurement, and physical product performance to improve design confidence and product robustness.

Cross-Functional Engineering

• Collaborate with the Advanced Applications team to solve complex customer measurement challenges.
• Partner with internal engineering, design, applications, and manufacturing teams to resolve technical, measurement, and manufacturability issues.
• Provide RF expertise throughout product development, prototype evaluation, characterization, and manufacturing transition.
• Clearly communicate technical findings, analysis, recommendations, and tradeoffs to cross-functional stakeholders.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff.
• Share RF measurement, simulation, characterization, and problem-solving expertise across engineering teams.
• Contribute to the development and adoption of effective RF engineering methodologies, tools, and technical practices.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive background in RF engineering with an emphasis on high-frequency applications from approximately 4 GHz to 90 GHz.
• Hands-on experience with electronics laboratory equipment and RF measurement procedures, including vector network analyzers and calibration methodologies, or experience working with semiconductor test platforms such as Advantest or Teradyne.
• Working knowledge of RF characterization principles, including S-parameters, TDR, dielectric behavior, and related measurement techniques, or a strong technical foundation with the ability to quickly develop expertise in these areas.
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation and RF design environments such as Synopsys HFSS, Keysight ADS, or Cadence Microwave Office.
• Familiarity with RF calibration techniques such as SOL, SOLR, SOLT, and multiline TRL is preferred.
• Understanding of cellular RF front-end architecture and components such as power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and filters is preferred.
• Familiarity with high-speed digital technologies and components, including transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs), PAM4, and SerDes, is preferred.
• Python experience or demonstrated ability to develop basic scripts for engineering analysis and automation is beneficial.

Skills

High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), High Speed PCB Design, RF Calibration, RF Measurements, RF Simulations, Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)

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.