Sr Principal Signal Integrity Engineer

FormFactor Inc. • Livermore, CA

3d

About The Position

FormFactor’s Probes Product Development team is hiring a Signal Integrity (SI) Engineer to architect, simulate, and validate high-speed interconnect performance across complex, fine pitch probe card assemblies used for advanced wafer test. This role is critical in ensuring high-speed electrical performance and signal integrity for advanced semiconductor test solutions. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in high-frequency design, simulation, and analysis to support next-generation probe card technologies for leading semiconductor manufacturers.

Requirements

• 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
• Strong understanding of signal integrity, including transmission line theory, crosstalk reduction, power integrity, and high‑speed interface performance
• Proficiency in EM & circuit tools: HFSS/CST/SIwave + ADS/Sigrity (or equivalents)
• Hands on VNA/TDR/TDT measurement and de embedding skills
• Scripting experience for data analysis, automation, or workflow optimization

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with PCIe/HBM/SerDes channel requirements and PAM4 systems
• Experience with probe cards, interposers, fine pitch interconnects, MEMS probes, or advanced socketing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design & Analysis Perform signal integrity analysis for high-speed interconnects in probe card assemblies.
• Develop and validate electrical models for transmission lines, connectors, probes, and PCB/MLO structures.
• Define electrical stack-ups and impedance targets.
• Perform what-if studies to optimize high-frequency behavior.
• Simulation & Modeling Utilize tools such as HFSS, ADS, or equivalent for electromagnetic and circuit simulations.
• Conduct time-domain and frequency-domain analysis to ensure compliance with performance requirements.
• Build IBIS AMI or behavioral channel models and eye diagrams for target data rates (e.g., 16–448 Gbps PAM4/NRZ).
• Testing & Validation Define and execute test plans for signal integrity validation using high-speed measurement equipment (e.g., VNA, TDR).
• Develop fixtures and golden structures.
• Drive simulation to measurement correlation.
• Analyze test data and correlate with simulation results to refine design.
• Continuous Improvement Drive innovation in probe card electrical design to support evolving semiconductor technology nodes.
• Stay current with industry trends in high-speed interconnects and signal integrity best practices.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior