Principal Applications Engineer, Silicon Photonics (SiPh)
FormFactorJob Title
Principal Applications Engineer, Silicon Photonics (SiPh)
Role Summary
Senior technical role in the Systems Business Unit Center of Excellence focused on Silicon Photonics (SiPh) test and measurement solutions. The Principal Applications Engineer translates customer requirements into product requirements, leads application validation, and supports strategic customer engagements across Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field teams.
This position emphasizes on-wafer semiconductor device measurements, optical test methodologies, and driving product requirements and technical training globally.
Experience Level
Senior / Principal-level position. Expected to be an experienced technical leader with significant domain expertise; see Education Requirements for formal minimum experience guidance.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include technical leadership, application development, validation, and customer engagement.
- Act as subject-matter expert for on‑wafer semiconductor measurements and Silicon Photonics test applications.
- Gather and translate customer requirements, technology roadmaps, and market trends into product requirements.
- Define technical requirements and lead application validation and demonstrations through the product life cycle.
- Design, execute, and analyze complex experiments to evaluate product performance and customer use cases.
- Develop application methodologies, technical documentation, best practices, and training materials.
- Create and deliver advanced technical training and workshops for Field Applications, Sales, customers, and partners.
- Support strategic customer engagements with high‑level technical consultation, troubleshooting, and recommendations.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Product Marketing, Manufacturing, and Global Sales on measurement solutions.
- Lead or contribute to research initiatives, technology pathfinding, and emerging application investigations.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multidisciplinary teams.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items are noted separately.
- Deep experience in semiconductor device characterization and optical test methodologies.
- Hands-on familiarity with Silicon Photonics devices and measurement techniques.
- Experience with wafer probing systems and automated test environments.
- Knowledge of test automation, advanced characterization techniques, and measurement data analysis.
- High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) experience and familiarity with semiconductor process technologies and advanced packaging environments.
- Proven ability to design experiments, analyze results, and translate findings into product requirements.
- Customer-facing experience: applications engineering, field support, technical sales, or similar roles.
- Strong communication, training, and mentorship capabilities.
- Nice-to-have: experience with optical components (waveguides, transceivers, photodiodes, VCSELs), additional language skills (German, Korean, Mandarin), and familiarity with commercialization and product development processes.
Education Requirements
Required: Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 5 years related experience; OR Master's degree plus a minimum of 3 years related experience; OR Ph.D. with no required prior experience; OR equivalent practical work experience. Typical fields listed: Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Photonics, or related technical disciplines. No specific certifications were mandated.
About the Company
Company: FormFactor
Headquarters: Livermore, California, United States
FormFactor provides test and measurement technologies and services for the semiconductor industry across the product lifecycle - including characterization, modeling, reliability, design debug, qualification and production test. The company serves customers globally through facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America.
