Phd Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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.

Regular hours for this position are day shift.

The Sr. Principal Lithography Engineer (MEMS R&D) is a technical authority responsible for driving innovation, strategy, and execution of advanced photolithography technologies across MEMS product development and manufacturing. This senior technical leader defines lithography development strategies, leads breakthrough process innovations, mentors engineering teams, and collaborates across R&D, Product Development, Design Engineering, Operations, and Executive Leadership to enable next‑generation MEMS technologies.

• Technical Leadership & Innovation
  • Develop and execute long‑range technology roadmaps for advanced MEMS photolithography processes and capabilities.
  • Lead the research, development, characterization, and implementation of next‑generation lithographic technologies for advanced probe card applications.
  • Serve as the organization’s subject‑matter expert in photolithography and related microfabrication technologies.
  • Identify emerging industry trends and evaluate advanced lithography techniques, including Two‑Photon Polymerization (2PP), Direct Laser Writing (DLW), Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL), and advanced maskless lithography solutions.
  • Drive innovation through invention disclosures, patent generation, technical publications, and technology strategy development.
• Process Development & Optimization
  • Lead complex Design of Experiments (DOE) initiatives to develop and optimize advanced lithography processes across multiple substrate platforms.
  • Develop scalable processes for high‑resolution MEMS features, critical dimension control, and overlay optimization.
  • Establish process windows and manufacturing‑ready solutions for next‑generation vertical probe technologies.
  • Perform advanced statistical analysis and process characterization to improve yield, repeatability, and process capability.
  • Define process control methodologies, metrology requirements, and qualification standards.
• Failure Analysis & Problem Solving
  • Lead root‑cause investigations for highly complex lithography, patterning, and integration challenges.
  • Analyze MEMS structures using optical microscopy, SEM, FIB cross‑sections, and other advanced characterization techniques.
  • Apply first‑principles engineering and data‑driven methodologies to solve novel technical challenges.
  • Provide expert guidance on resolving critical manufacturing and development issues.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with R&D, product design, process integration, manufacturing, equipment engineering, and quality teams to enable successful technology development.
  • Evaluate design feasibility and ensure lithography requirements are incorporated during product development.
  • Influence technical decisions across multiple projects and product generations.
  • Present technical findings and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Mentorship & Organizational Impact
  • Mentor and develop engineers, scientists, and technicians across the organization.
  • Establish technical standards, best practices, and engineering methodologies.
  • Provide leadership in developing organizational lithography expertise and succession planning.
  • Lead technical reviews and serve as a key decision‑maker for critical engineering initiatives.

• Electron Microscopy
• Laser Lithography
• Photolithography
• Photolithography Equipment
• Semiconductor Development
• Semiconductor Engineering
• Semiconductor Fabrication
• Semiconductor Manufacturing

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.

$136,200.00 – $178,815.00 per year.

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.

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.