Vice President Engineering (m/f/d)

Forming Our Future together

Shape your future with a hidden champion of the high-tech industry. FormFactor is a leading global manufacturer of semiconductor test and measurement products, including advanced MEMS probe cards, engineering probe stations and probes, metrology systems, as well as quantum cryogenic measurement systems.   Globally, FormFactor Inc. has locations in all markets relevant to the semiconductor industry. In Germany, we develop and manufacture wafer probers for a wide range of applications. Our products and solutions contribute significantly to the development and productions of new technologies. From AI to 5G, from autonomous driving to quantum computing, almost every breakthrough innovation today has its form factor.

That looks good. Your future at FormFactor:

• Hello future!  As part of our large FormFactor family, you will play an active role in shaping current and upcoming technologies.

• Bye-bye monotony!  The challenging, varied tasks in the field of artificial intelligence and infrared applications as well as flat hierarchies offer you a lot of freedom for design and innovation.

• Your thing.  In small teams, you will work independently and close to the product. You will find your solutions and accompany the entire production cycle. 

• Just get started.  With our New Hire training plan, you will arrive relaxed your new tasks.

• It's fun. We offer you an attractive remuneration package as well as a share in the company's success.

• Being human. 30 days of vacation, flexible working hours and home office are our tools for your family and work-life balance.

• Motivated. Our pleasant, friendly working atmosphere and international collegiality are a real feel-good factor.

• Progress.  Internal training, exchange programs and an open transfer of knowledge open horizons for you.

• Perspective. As the market leader, we are operating in an incredibly exciting and crisis-proof industry of the future.

Not enough? We would be happy to introduce you to many other benefits in a personal conversation.

Job Description:

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Vice President of Engineering to lead a globally distributed engineering organization in a high‑volume, high‑complexity industrial environment.

At FormFactor, we develop and manufacture wafer probers for a wide range of applications. Our products and solutions are key to enabling next-generation technologies, including leading the emerging market of silicon photonics testing for high-volume production.

This role carries end‑to‑end accountability for engineering execution across the entire product lifecycle — from advanced development and New Product Introduction (NPI) through volume ramp‑up and sustained production. The position combines technical leadership, operational rigor, and people leadership, with a strong focus on scalability, reliability, and customer impact.

The Vice President Engineering is a key member of the senior leadership team and plays a critical role in aligning engineering strategy with business objectives and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Strategy & Executive Leadership

• Define and execute a multi‑year engineering strategy aligned with company goals, customer roadmaps, and operational requirements.
• Lead, structure, and continuously develop a large, international engineering organization across multiple regions.
• Serve as a senior thought partner to executive leadership on technology, scalability, and engineering investment decisions.

High‑Volume Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Own engineering readiness for high‑volume production, including stable ramps, yield optimization, cost efficiency, and quality.
• Establish and track key performance indicators such as yield, reliability, cycle time, time‑to‑market, and cost.
• Drive structured problem‑solving and act as final escalation point for complex production or field issues.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Lifecycle Ownership

• Ensure robust engineering processes for smooth transition from development into volume manufacturing.
• Lead cross‑functional NPI execution, balancing speed, risk mitigation, and quality.
• Ensure strong design‑for‑manufacturing, design‑for‑test, and design‑for‑service principles across all programs.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as executive‑level engineering interface for strategic customers and external partners.
• Support high‑visibility programs, technical reviews, and escalations.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Management, and Sales.

People Leadership & Engineering Culture

• Build a performance‑driven engineering culture with clear accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop senior engineering leaders, succession plans, and sustainable talent pipelines.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines, geography, and cultures.

Experience & Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in engineering, with a significant portion in high‑volume manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Proven leadership experience at Director, Senior Director, or Vice President level.
• Demonstrated, long-standing track record of delivering and scaling high-volume wafer test equipment solutions.
• Experience leading large, global engineering teams across multiple sites and time zones.
• Solid technical foundation with the ability to engage deeply while operating at executive level.
• Strong business acumen and experience working closely with manufacturing, operations, and customers.
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable operating at C‑level and with external stakeholders.
• Degree in Engineering or related technical field; advanced degree preferred.

Skills:

Education & Experience:

Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in leadership roles, with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 6 years experience; or equivalent experience | Required

Are you Interested?

Then we look forward to receiving your detailed application, stating your earliest possible starting date and your salary expectations. The fastest way to contact us is via the Apply button. You are welcome to send us a link to your profile on XING or LinkedIn for a first impression.

We look forward to receiving your application!