Sr Principal Software Development Engineer

Forming Our Future together

FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle — from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Rooted in our core values — Focus on the Customer, Ownership & Accountability, Respectfully & Effectively Communicate, and Motivate & Develop People — we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Everyone can make an impact here. Whether it's improving products, supporting customers, or positively influencing peers and the community, the contributions of our people matter.

Shift:

The regular hours for this position are day shift.

Job Description:

FormFactor is seeking a Sr. Principal Software Development Engineer to provide technical leadership and architectural direction for software systems supporting advanced semiconductor test, measurement, and automation platforms. As a recognized expert, you will lead the design and evolution of complex software solutions that integrate across hardware, automation, motion control, and customer application environments.

Working within a globally distributed engineering organization spanning the United States, Germany, and Asia, you will drive software strategy, influence product roadmaps, mentor engineering teams, and solve highly complex technical challenges that have significant impact on business performance, product competitiveness, and customer success.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Define and drive software architecture, technology strategy, and long-term technical direction for semiconductor test and automation systems.
• Lead the design and development of complex Windows-based software applications, frameworks, APIs, and reusable platform components.
• Establish engineering standards, software design principles, and coding best practices across development teams.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend strategic technology investments that improve product capabilities, performance, and scalability.
• Serve as the highest-level technical resource for critical product and customer challenges.

Software Development & Innovation

• Design, develop, and maintain advanced software solutions using C#, .NET, and Visual Studio.
• Lead development efforts for new platform capabilities, application enhancements, and software modernization initiatives.
• Architect robust and maintainable solutions for equipment control, automation, diagnostics, and data acquisition systems.
• Drive software quality through design reviews, code reviews, automated testing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical oversight for product releases, software validation, and deployment activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with systems, electrical, mechanical, applications, and field engineering teams to develop integrated solutions.
• Collaborate with global engineering leaders to align software development efforts across multiple product lines and geographic locations.
• Engage directly with customers to understand technical requirements, troubleshoot complex issues, and influence future product development.
• Lead technical discussions and decision-making across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Problem Solving & Operational Excellence

• Diagnose and resolve highly complex software, hardware integration, communication, and system performance issues.
• Drive root cause analysis efforts for critical customer and production issues.
• Develop innovative solutions for challenges involving motion control, automation, instrumentation, and semiconductor test systems.
• Improve software development processes, tools, and workflows to enhance engineering productivity and product reliability.

Mentorship & Organizational Impact

• Mentor senior engineers and development teams on software architecture, engineering practices, and technical problem-solving.
• Influence engineering culture through technical leadership and knowledge sharing.
• Guide the execution of strategically important engineering initiatives with broad organizational impact.
• Provide technical leadership without direct managerial responsibility while serving as a trusted advisor to engineering management.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• Extensive experience developing Windows desktop applications using C#, .NET, and Microsoft Visual Studio.
• Strong proficiency in object-oriented design, software architecture, design patterns, and modern software engineering methodologies.
• Experience architecting and developing large-scale, complex software systems.
• Strong understanding of multi-threaded applications, distributed systems, and performance optimization techniques.
• Experience with source control systems, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software development workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large technical initiatives and influence engineering decisions across teams.
• Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a global engineering environment across multiple time zones.
• Proficiency in C++ development.
• Experience developing software for semiconductor capital equipment, test and measurement systems, or industrial automation platforms.
• Experience with motion control, robotics, machine automation, or equipment communication protocols.
• Knowledge of hardware-software integration, instrumentation, and real-time control systems.
• Experience with cloud-connected industrial applications, data analytics, or manufacturing software platforms.
• MATLAB programming experience.
• Experience working in highly regulated, quality-driven engineering environments.

Skills:

C# .NET Programming, C++ Programming Language, English Language, Git, MATLAB Programming, Microsoft Visual Studio, Semiconductor Technology, Silicon Photonics, Windows Development

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:

$115,800.00 - $151,935.00

Pay Range Explained:

This role in Beaverton, Oregon pays between $115,800.00 and $151,935.00 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.