Sr. Principal Lithography 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

The Senior Principal Lithography Engineer (MEMS R&D) is recognized as a technical authority responsible for driving innovation, strategy, and execution of advanced photolithography technologies across MEMS product development and manufacturing. This role requires deep expertise in semiconductor lithography processes, photoresist materials, optics, and microfabrication techniques, combined with the ability to solve highly complex technical challenges that have significant impact on business objectives and future technology roadmaps.

As a senior technical leader, you will define lithography development strategies, lead breakthrough process innovations, mentor engineering teams, and collaborate across R&D, Product Development, Design Engineering, Operations, and Executive Leadership to enable next-generation MEMS technologies. The successful candidate will serve as a key contributor to FormFactor's long-term technology differentiation and intellectual property development.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Develop and execute long-range technology roadmaps for advanced MEMS photolithography processes and capabilities.
• Lead the research, development, characterization, and implementation of next-generation lithographic technologies for advanced probe card applications.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert in photolithography and related microfabrication technologies.
• Identify emerging industry trends and evaluate advanced lithography techniques, including: Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP), Direct Laser Writing (DLW), Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL), and Advanced maskless lithography solutions
• Drive innovation through invention disclosures, patent generation, technical publications, and technology strategy development.

Process Development & Optimization

• Lead complex Design of Experiments (DOE) initiatives to develop and optimize advanced lithography processes across multiple substrate platforms.
• Develop scalable processes for high-resolution MEMS features, critical dimension control, and overlay optimization.
• Establish process windows and manufacturing-ready solutions for next-generation vertical probe technologies.
• Perform advanced statistical analysis and process characterization to improve yield, repeatability, and process capability.
• Define process control methodologies, metrology requirements, and qualification standards.

Failure Analysis & Problem Solving

• Lead root cause investigations for highly complex lithography, patterning, and integration challenges.
• Analyze MEMS structures using optical microscopy, SEM, FIB cross-sections, and other advanced characterization techniques.
• Apply first-principles engineering and data-driven methodologies to solve novel technical challenges.
• Provide expert guidance on resolving critical manufacturing and development issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, product design, process integration, manufacturing, equipment engineering, and quality teams to enable successful technology development.
• Evaluate design feasibility and ensure lithography requirements are incorporated during product development.
• Influence technical decisions across multiple projects and product generations.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Mentorship & Organizational Impact

• Mentor and develop engineers, scientists, and technicians across the organization.
• Establish technical standards, best practices, and engineering methodologies.
• Provide leadership in developing organizational lithography expertise and succession planning.
• Lead technical reviews and serve as a key decision-maker for critical engineering initiatives.

Skills

Electron Microscopy, Laser Lithography, Photolithography, Photolithography Equipment, Semiconductor Development, Semiconductor Engineering, Semiconductor Fabrication, Semiconductor Manufacturing

Education & Experience

Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience | Required

Pay Range

$136,200.00 - $178,815.00

Pay Range Explained

This role in Livermore, California pays between $136,200.00 and $178,815.00 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.