Vice President Engineering (m/f/d)

Vice President of Engineering

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

FormFactor is a leading global manufacturer of semiconductor test and measurement products, including advanced MEMS probe cards, engineering probe stations and probes, metrology systems, and quantum cryogenic measurement systems. In Germany, we develop and manufacture wafer probers for a wide range of applications that enable next‑generation technologies such as silicon photonics testing for high‑volume production.

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.

Education & Experience (Minimum Requirements)

• 10+ years of relevant leadership experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• 8+ years of relevant leadership experience with a Master’s degree.
• 6+ years of relevant leadership experience with a PhD.
• Equivalent experience may also satisfy the requirement.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package and share in the company’s success.
• 30 days of vacation, flexible working hours, and home office options.
• International collegiality and a pleasant, friendly working atmosphere.
• Internal training, exchange programs, and open transfer of knowledge.