Principal Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

Principal Mechanical Engineer, Product Development

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer, Product Development to support complex automated cryogenic systems for semiconductor test and measurement applications. The candidate will independently and collaboratively design, analyze, prototype, validate, document, mechanical and electro-mechanical subsystems, with emphasis on engineering judgment, manufacturability, reliability, cost, performance, and customer requirements.

The role requires advanced Solid Works proficiency, strong mechanical design fundamentals, experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, tolerance analysis, modeling, scientific instrumentation, engineering documentation, prototype evaluation, verification testing, and root cause analysis. The ideal candidate brings at least five years of related engineering experience in complex mechanical or electro-mechanical product development, with cryogenic or semiconductor equipment experience preferred, and demonstrates strong communication, collaboration, prioritization, and data-driven decision-making skills.

• Independently and in coordination with a larger team, designs, develops, and documents complex mechanical and electro-mechanical parts, assemblies, and subsystems using advanced proficiency in Solid Works.
• Exercises sound engineering judgement to evaluate trade-offs between performance, cost, manufacturability, reliability, and customer requirements when developing mechanical and electro-mechanical design solutions.
• Performs technical and root cause analysis, modeling, tolerance assessment, design verification, prototype evaluation, and troubleshooting to enhance manufacturability, cost, quality, and customer experience.
• Participates in customer-facing technical discussions to understand requirements, explain design approaches, evaluate feasibility, and support analysis, ideation, and product improvement activities.
• Creates and maintains complete and accurate engineering documentation (e.g., drawings, bills of materials, specifications, test plans, analysis summaries, engineering change documentation) in accordance with company processes to support design quality, manufacturability, and lifecycle traceability.
• Occasional travel may be required for customer visits, conferences, or meetings.

• Mechanical design, thermodynamics, heat transfer, tolerance analysis.
• Materials properties and manufacturing processes.
• Modeling, analysis, and scientific instrumentation.

• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Attention to detail and a collaborative approach to problem solving is a must.
• Strong knowledge of physics, mathematical modeling, materials properties, manufacturing processes, thermodynamics, heat transfer, tolerance analysis, and use of scientific instruments for development, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to solve technical problems, make data-driven design decisions, manage competing priorities, and communicate technical recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience supporting design reviews, engineering change processes, prototype builds, verification testing, and transition of designs into manufacturing is preferred.

Collaboration, Communication, Cryogenic Engineering, Detail-Oriented, Engineering Change Order (ECO), Heat Transfers, Manufacturing Processes, Materials Properties, Mechanical Design, Scientific Instruments, Semiconductor Industry, System Modeling, Technical Problem-Solving, Thermodynamics, Tolerance Analysis, Validation Testing

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

$94,100.00 - $

This role in Boulder, Colorado pays between $94,100.00 and $ 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.

Form Factor is an equal opportunity employer. Form Factor 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.