The Development Engineer, Automation will collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, systems, and software engineering teams to develop and improve complex manufacturing and test automation platforms. This role requires strong technical problem-solving skills, hands-on engineering capability, and the ability to support projects from concept through validation and deployment.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Design & Development
Support the design, development, and integration of precision automation equipment, manufacturing systems, and machine subsystems.
Assist in translating product and process requirements into practical automation, motion control, and machine vision solutions.
Participate in design reviews and contribute engineering recommendations to improve machine functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.
Support continuous improvement efforts to enhance equipment performance, throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.
Equipment Build, Integration & Validation
Support the 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 ensure successful deployment of new equipment and system enhancements.
Testing, Analysis & Performance Optimization
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 activities and perform structured problem-solving to resolve technical issues.
Documentation & Engineering Support
Create and maintain technical documentation including assembly drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), calibration procedures, setup instructions, test reports, and engineering records.
Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with engineering standards and change management processes.
Assist in creating work instructions, operational procedures, and training documentation for internal stakeholders.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and improve designs.
Support project activities by communicating progress, risks, technical findings, and recommendations to project stakeholders.
Collaborate with suppliers, technicians, and internal teams to support equipment development, integration, and validation efforts.
Skills
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, SolidWorks PDM
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or equivalent work experience | Required
Pay Range
$90,500.00 - $118,755.00
Pay Range Explained
This role in Livermore, California pays between $90,500.00 and $118,755.00 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
FormFactor is an equal opportunity employer. FormFactor complies with all national, state, and local laws that seek to promote equal opportunities for any applicant or employee without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity/expression, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, military service, or any other legally protected characteristics. These protections apply to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and compensation.
For roles that are designated as remote-eligible, employees cannot be located in: AL, AK, AR, DE, GA, HI, IL, IA, LA, ME, MD, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, WV, WI, WY. This list is continuously evolving and being updated, please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. A role is remote-eligible only when it is listed as "Remote" in the job location.
