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Probe Card Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qorvo, Inc.

Sr Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Experience with probe card design , qualification, and maintenance. Professional Background * Typically 5+ years in semiconductor test engineering, RF test, MEMS test, or mixedsignal ATE development.

TetraMem Inc

Production/ATE Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $250K/yr

Experience with automated test hardware development, load board design, or probe card optimization. * Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering and ...

FormFactor, Inc.

Manufacturing Operator I

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17.05 - $22.37/hr

The Manufacturing Operator I performs a variety of hands-on tasks supporting probe card ... Engineering & Continuous Improvement Support * Collaborate with engineering teams to run tests ...

Formfactor

Manufacturing Operator I

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17.05 - $22.37/hr

The Manufacturing Operator I performs a variety of hands-on tasks supporting probe card ... Engineering & Continuous Improvement Support * Collaborate with engineering teams to run tests ...

Formfactor

Manufacturing Technician 1

Livermore, CA · On-site

$19.30 - $25.36/hr

... with engineering and manufacturing teams. Key Responsibilities: * Perform routine manufacturing operations associated with probe card production, including photolithography, thin film processing ...

FormFactor, Inc.

Manufacturing Operator I

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17.05 - $22.37/hr

The Manufacturing Operator I performs a variety of hands-on tasks supporting probe card ... Engineering & Continuous Improvement Support * Collaborate with engineering teams to run tests ...

Formfactor

Manufacturing Operator I

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17.05 - $22.37/hr

The Manufacturing Operator I performs a variety of hands-on tasks supporting probe card ... Engineering & Continuous Improvement Support * Collaborate with engineering teams to run tests ...

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Probe Card Engineer information

What is a probe card engineer?

A Probe Card Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining probe cards used in semiconductor wafer testing. They work closely with test engineers and fabrication teams to ensure accurate and efficient electrical testing of integrated circuits. Their role involves troubleshooting probe card issues, optimizing performance, and collaborating with vendors for manufacturing and improvements. Strong knowledge of semiconductor testing, circuit design, and materials science is essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the probe card engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Probe Card Engineer, a strong background in electrical engineering, semiconductor testing, and microfabrication processes is essential, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD design software, probe card analyzers, and failure analysis tools, as well as knowledge of industry standards like SEMI, is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of probe cards, optimizing test yield, and supporting efficient collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a probe card engineer?

As a Probe Card Engineer, your typical day involves designing, developing, and validating probe cards used in semiconductor wafer testing, collaborating closely with product engineers and test floor technicians. You’ll troubleshoot any probe card performance issues, analyze test data to identify potential improvements, and work with CAD tools for new designs or modifications to existing products. Regular communication with cross-functional teams is common to ensure the probe cards meet evolving technology and production requirements. You may also participate in root cause analyses, manage documentation, and support ongoing process improvements, making problem-solving and adaptability key aspects of your role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Probe Card Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Probe Card Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Probe Card Engineer jobs in California?

For Probe Card Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Probe Card Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Probe Card Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Probe Card Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Probe Card Engineer job openings:

Probe Card Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Probe Card Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Principal Plating Engineer

FormFactor, Inc.

Livermore, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

FormFactor rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

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:
The Sr. Principal Plating Engineer (MEMS R&D) serves as a recognized technical authority responsible for defining, developing, and implementing advanced electroplating technologies, metallurgical innovations, and process integration strategies for MEMS probe fabrication. This role combines deep expertise in electrochemistry, materials science, semiconductor processing, and advanced metallurgy with the ability to solve highly complex technical challenges that have significant impact on FormFactor's technology roadmap and competitive advantage.
As a senior technical leader, you will lead strategic R&D initiatives, drive innovation in electrodeposition and material development, influence product and process direction, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable next-generation probe card performance. This role requires the ability to balance long-term technology development with hands-on process characterization and problem solving.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & Innovation
  • Define and execute long-range technology roadmaps for advanced electroplating processes, materials, and metallurgical innovations supporting future MEMS probe technologies.
  • Serve as the organization's subject matter expert in electroplating, electroless deposition, electrochemistry, and metallurgical process development.
  • Lead research, evaluation, and implementation of novel materials and deposition technologies to improve electrical, thermal, mechanical, and reliability performance.
  • Assess emerging industry technologies and identify opportunities to create sustainable competitive advantages through advanced materials and plating processes.
  • Generate intellectual property through invention disclosures, patent development, and technical innovation initiatives.

Process Development & Characterization
  • Design and execute complex Design of Experiments (DOE) to develop and optimize advanced metallurgical solutions for MEMS probe fabrication.
  • Develop, characterize, document, and scale electrodeposition processes for next-generation vertical probe technologies.
  • Establish process windows, operating specifications, and control methodologies to ensure robust and repeatable manufacturing performance.
  • Lead process integration efforts across MEMS fabrication workflows.
  • Maintain expertise in plating bath chemistry, deposit morphology, stress management, grain structure control, and material performance optimization.

Materials Analysis & Failure Investigation
  • Perform advanced materials characterization using SEM, EDS/EDAX, FIB, microscopy, and other analytical techniques.
  • Analyze deposited metal structures to evaluate composition, microstructure, purity, and performance characteristics.
  • Lead root cause investigations involving plating defects, process excursions, reliability concerns, and manufacturing challenges.
  • Apply first-principles engineering and statistical methodologies to solve complex electrochemical and material-related issues.

Process Control & Operational Excellence
  • Develop advanced process monitoring, control, and qualification methodologies.
  • Establish analytical techniques for plating bath characterization and chemical management.
  • Drive improvements in yield, process capability, throughput, and manufacturing robustness.
  • Define best practices for electrochemical process control, safety, and materials handling.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards associated with chemical processing operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with R&D, Product Development, Process Integration, Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, and Quality teams to support technology development and commercialization.
  • Review new product designs and provide guidance regarding manufacturability, materials selection, and plating process capabilities.
  • Influence technical decisions and provide expert recommendations for strategic development initiatives.
  • Present technical findings and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Mentorship & Organizational Impact
  • Mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians in electrochemistry, plating technologies, and process development methodologies.
  • Establish technical standards, documentation practices, and engineering best practices across the organization.
  • Build organizational capabilities through coaching, training, and technical leadership.
  • Lead technical reviews and serve as a trusted advisor on critical technology and manufacturing decisions.

Skills:
Electrochemistry, Electroless Plating, Electron Microscopy, Electroplating, Materials Engineering, Semiconductor Development, Semiconductor Fabrication, Semiconductors
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, KY, 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.

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