Principal Applications Engineer (SiPh)

FormFactor•Beaverton, OR

21h•$94,100 - $123,480

About The Position

FormFactor is seeking a Principal Applications Engineer focused on Silicon Photonics (SiPh) to serve as a recognized technical expert in advanced semiconductor test and measurement solutions. The role is part of the Systems Business Unit Center of Excellence and works with a global team of applications experts to translate customer requirements into product solutions and support strategic customer engagements worldwide. The position leads application development, defines technical requirements for new products, validates solutions through application testing, and advances technical excellence across the product lifecycle. It connects customers with Product Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Applications teams to ensure products address emerging market and technology needs. The role is suited to an experienced technical leader with expertise in semiconductor device characterization, optical test methodologies, and Silicon Photonics technologies. Regular hours are day shift. The stated pay range for the Beaverton, Oregon role is $94,100 to $123,480 per year, depending on experience, skills, and background; pay may vary in other locations. FormFactor offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, a 401(k) with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, quarterly profit-sharing bonuses, and flexible spending or savings accounts.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree, or 3 years with a master's degree, or a Ph.D. with no experience; equivalent work experience is also accepted.
Skills in analytical problem solving, business practices, communication and presentations, engaging communication, interpersonal communication, personal productivity, professional responsibility, statistical data analysis, statistical problem solving, troubleshooting errors, understanding requirements, and understanding technology.

Nice To Haves

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.
Knowledge of semiconductor wafer probing systems and automated test environments.
High Volume Manufacturing experience in the semiconductor industry.
Understanding of semiconductor test methodologies, test automation, and advanced characterization techniques.
Experience with Silicon Photonics devices and technologies, including 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.
German, Korean, or Mandarin Chinese language proficiency.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for on-wafer semiconductor device measurements and Silicon Photonics 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 process.
Collaborate with Engineering, Product Marketing, Manufacturing, and Global Sales to develop 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 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.
Provide high-level technical consultation, troubleshooting, and solution recommendations for strategic customer engagements.
Partner with Field Applications Engineers and Sales teams on key opportunities, technical evaluations, and customer demonstrations.
Lead and contribute to advanced research, technology pathfinding, and emerging application investigations.
Monitor industry trends, competitive technologies, and evolving measurement methodologies.
Participate in customer visits, industry conferences, technical forums, and standards organizations.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multidisciplinary project teams.