Sr Principal Software Development Engineer

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.

Responsibilities

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; 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; 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; 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; 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

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline; 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; 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

Nice to have

Master's degree preferred; Proficiency in C++ development; MATLAB programming experience; 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; Experience working in highly regulated, quality-driven engineering environments

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage; 401(k) with company match; Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP); Paid time off; Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses; Flexible spending or savings accounts