Key Responsibilities
SMT Process Engineering
Develop, qualify, and maintain SMT processes, solder paste selection, solder paste injection and inspection, reflow profiling, and placement parameters.
Own recipe creation and optimization for high‑density advanced probe card PCBs.
Drive process capability improvements (Cp/Cpk) and ensure stable production performance.
Equipment Ownership
Provide daily engineering support for SMT equipment such as
Stencil printer
Pick‑and‑place machine
Reflow oven
SPI (Solder Paste Inspection)
Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for equipment failures, misplacements, reflow defects, or inspection inaccuracies.
Define and maintain PM schedules, calibration, and spare parts strategies.
Quality & Yield Improvement
Monitor and analyze yield, defect Paretos, and SPC trends to identify systemic issues.
Lead DfX (Design for Assembly, Design for Manufacturability) discussions with design engineering.
Implement corrective actions and sustainable process controls for solder bridging, opens, voiding, tombstoning, and wetting failures.
Manufacturing Support
Support production technicians with process deviations, equipment issues, and new product introductions.
Develop documentation including WI/SOPs, process parameters, machine setup sheets, and inspection criteria.
Drive cycle time reduction, throughput improvements, and operator training.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with
Plating & Metallization Engineers
Photolithography Engineers
Mechanical/Assembly Engineering
Electrical Test Engineering (FPT, PRVX4)
Supply Chain & Quality
Provide engineering support during prototype builds and customer‑specific configurations.
Continuous Improvement
Lead Lean/6σ initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance process robustness.
Evaluate and introduce new materials (solder paste, adhesives, fluxes) and improved stencil/hardware designs.
Participate in equipment justification and capital project planning.
Preferred Qualifications & Experiences
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
3–7 years of SMT or PCB assembly experience (semiconductor, PCBA, or electronics assembly preferred).
Strong understanding of solder paste behavior, reflow principles, component placement strategies, and defect mechanisms.
Hands‑on experience with SMT equipment and inspection systems (SPI, AOI).
Proficiency with SPC, FMEA, DOE, and root cause problem solving.
Experience in probe card, semiconductor test hardware, or high‑precision PCB manufacturing.
Familiarity with high‑density BGAs, fine‑pitch components, and micro‑assembly.
Knowledge of CAM/EDA data for stencil/paste aperture optimization.
Lean/6σ Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience with MES systems and factory automation.
Success Traits
Strong ownership mindset and ability to lead daily factory support.
Excellent troubleshooting skills and a structured approach to problem solving.
Ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, high‑mix environment.
Clear communication and documentation discipline.
Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Skills
Assembly Manufacturing, Assembly Operations, Integration Development, Perform Testing, Process Performance, Product Assembly, Test Analysis, Test Evaluation
Education & Experience
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 | Required
Pay Range
$136,200.00 - $178,815.00
Pay Range Explained
This role in Livermore, California pays between $136,200.00 and $178,815.00 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.
