Principal Signal Integrity 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.
Job Description:
Overview
In the role of a SI Engineer within the Signal Integrity group you will be responsible for leading and completing tasks on time and solving short and long term problems. You will be part of a technical group, responsible for improving SI/PI performance, completing production design analysis, and measurement and characterizing. This role will be working with customers and engineers across multiple sites, California US, Europe and Asia Regions.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Design & Analysis
- Perform signal and power integrity analysis for high-speed interconnects (PCB, package, MLO, probe card)
- Develop and validate electrical models for:
- Transmission lines, vias, connectors
- PDN (Power Distribution Network) structures
- Define stack-ups, impedance targets, and routing constraints.
- Evaluate and optimize:
- Reflections, insertion/return loss
- Crosstalk and jitter performance
2. Simulation & Modeling
- Use EM and circuit tools (e.g., HFSS, ADS, SIwave, PowerSI) for:
- Frequency-domain and time-domain analysis
- Build system/channel models (e.g., IBIS-AMI, eye diagrams).
- Run what-if studies to optimize performance and reduce design risk.
3. Testing & Validation
- Define and execute SI validation plans using:
- VNA, TDR, TDT and high-speed measurement setups
- Define test fixtures and correlation structures
- Drive simulation-to-measurement correlation and root cause analysis
- Drive design improvements based on measured data
4. Design Support & Collaboration
- Provide design guidelines, constraints, and best practices to layout teams and electrical design engineers
- Collaborate globally with engineering teams and customers
- Support new product development programs (e.g., probe cards, load boards)
5. Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Improve modeling methodologies and design workflows
- Reduce simulation cycle time and improve design quality
- Stay current with:
- High-speed interfaces (PCIe, HBM, SerDes)
- Emerging packaging and interconnect technologies
- Contribute to next-generation architecture and roadmap development
Required Qualifications
- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering (or related field)
- 4+ years of relevant experience in SI/PI analysis and design
- Strong understanding of:
- Transmission line theory
- Power integrity principles
- Crosstalk and signal degradation mechanisms
- Experience with tools such as:
- HFSS, ADS, SIwave, PowerSI, PowerDC, SPICE, Allegro, MATLAB
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with measurement tools (VNA, TDR/TDT)
- Experience with high-speed interfaces (PAM4, SerDes, PCIe, HBM)
- Scripting/automation (Python, MATLAB)
- Experience in advanced packaging, probe cards, or fine-pitch interconnects
Core Skills
- Analytical problem solving and debugging
- High-frequency design expertise
- Data interpretation and modeling
- Cross-functional communication
- Ability to apply engineering judgement to define model accuracy requirements
Typical Impact
- Improves first-pass success rate of designs
- Reduces cycle time through simulation-driven design
- Ensures compliance with high-speed performance requirements
- Minimizes field/customer issues tied to SI/PI performance
Skills:
Allegro PCB Designer, ANSYS HFSS, Cadence Tools, High Speed Interfaces, MATLAB, Power Distribution Design, Power Integrity, PSpice Circuit Simulation, Python (Programming Language), SERDES, Signal Integrity, Signal Integrity Analysis, Transmission Line DesignEducation & Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work | Required