Development Engineer, Automation

FormFactor•Livermore, CA

About The Position

FormFactor is seeking a Development Engineer, Automation to support the design, development, integration, validation, and deployment of automation solutions used to manufacture advanced semiconductor test and measurement products. Working in a multidisciplinary engineering environment, the role contributes to precise automated equipment and systems combining mechanical design, motion control, machine vision, controls, and software technologies. The engineer collaborates with mechanical, electrical, systems, and software engineering teams to develop and improve manufacturing and test automation platforms, supporting projects from concept through validation and deployment. The position is based in Livermore, California, and its regular hours are day shift. The stated annual pay range is $90,500 to $118,755, depending on experience, skills, and background; pay may vary in other locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or equivalent work experience.
Skills in Autodesk AutoCAD, automated vision systems, data analysis, electrical testing, failure analysis, mechatronics, precision machine design, printed circuit board (PCB) design, problem solving, robotic motion control, robotics, SolidWorks, and SolidWorks PDM.

Responsibilities

Support the design, development, and integration of precision automation equipment, manufacturing systems, and machine subsystems.
Help translate product and process requirements into automation, motion control, and machine vision solutions.
Participate in design reviews and recommend improvements to machine functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.
Support continuous improvement efforts to enhance equipment performance, throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.
Support 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 deploy new equipment and system enhancements.
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 and use structured problem-solving to resolve technical issues.
Create and maintain technical documentation, including assembly drawings, bills of materials, calibration procedures, setup instructions, test reports, and engineering records.
Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with engineering standards and change management processes.
Assist with work instructions, operational procedures, and training documentation for internal stakeholders.
Work with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and improve designs.
Communicate project progress, risks, technical findings, and recommendations to stakeholders.
Collaborate with suppliers, technicians, and internal teams on equipment development, integration, and validation.