Principal Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

FormFactor Inc.•Boulder, CO

6d•$94,100 - $123,480•Onsite

About The Position

FormFactor, Inc. is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer, Product Development to support complex automated cryogenic systems for semiconductor test and measurement applications. The candidate will independently and collaboratively design, analyze, prototype, validate, and document mechanical and electro-mechanical subsystems, with emphasis on engineering judgment, manufacturability, reliability, cost, performance, and customer requirements. The role requires advanced SolidWorks proficiency, strong mechanical design fundamentals, experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, tolerance analysis, modeling, scientific instrumentation, engineering documentation, prototype evaluation, verification testing, and root cause analysis. The ideal candidate brings at least five years of related engineering experience in complex mechanical or electro-mechanical product development, with cryogenic or semiconductor equipment experience preferred, and demonstrates strong communication, collaboration, prioritization, and data-driven decision-making skills.

Requirements

Advanced SolidWorks proficiency
Strong mechanical design fundamentals
Experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, tolerance analysis, modeling, scientific instrumentation, engineering documentation, prototype evaluation, verification testing, and root cause analysis.
At least five years of related engineering experience in complex mechanical or electro-mechanical product development
Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
Attention to detail and a collaborative approach to problem solving is a must.
Strong knowledge of physics, mathematical modeling, materials properties, manufacturing processes, thermodynamics, heat transfer, tolerance analysis, and use of scientific instruments for development, validation, and troubleshooting.
Demonstrated ability to solve technical problems, make data-driven design decisions, manage competing priorities, and communicate technical recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work

Nice To Haves

Cryogenic or semiconductor equipment experience preferred
Experience supporting design reviews, engineering change processes, prototype builds, verification testing, and transition of designs into manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently and in coordination with a larger team, designs, develops, and documents complex mechanical and electro-mechanical parts, assemblies, and subsystems using advanced proficiency in SolidWorks.
Exercises sound engineering judgement to evaluate trade-offs between performance, cost, manufacturability, reliability, and customer requirements when developing mechanical and electro-mechanical design solutions.
Performs technical and root cause analysis, modeling, tolerance assessment, design verification, prototype evaluation, and troubleshooting to enhance manufacturability, cost, quality, and customer experience.
Participates in customer-facing technical discussions to understand requirements, explain design approaches, evaluate feasibility, and support analysis, ideation, and product improvement activities.
Creates and maintains complete and accurate engineering documentation (e.g., drawings, bills of materials, specifications, test plans, analysis summaries, engineering change documentation) in accordance with company processes to support design quality, manufacturability, and lifecycle traceability.
Occasional travel may be required for customer visits, conferences, or meetings.