{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"52fa965e5d8fdf4f90d26211","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/52fa965e5d8fdf4f90d26211","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/52fa965e5d8fdf4f90d26211","title":"Sr. Principal QA Engineer","description":"Forming Our Future together\nFormFactor, 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.\nRooted 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.\nShift:\nThe regular hours for this position are day shift.\nJob Description:\nFormFactor is seeking a Senior Principal Quality Assurance Engineer to lead key elements of our enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) and drive continuous improvement across global operations. This role serves as the business process owner for critical quality system processes, including corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), audit programs, change control governance, management reviews, quality system effectiveness, and quality system module/workflow ownership within the eQMS.\nThe ideal candidate brings strong quality systems, auditing, structured problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership experience in a complex manufacturing environment. The role partners with Business Units and enabling functions to ensure compliance, operational excellence, and adoption of best-in-class quality practices.\nKey Responsibilities:\nQuality Management Systems & Compliance\nLead the development, implementation, optimization, and governance of enterprise quality management systems (QMS) across multiple sites and business functions.\nEnsure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and semiconductor industry standards.\nAct as a recognized subject matter expert for quality system requirements, interpretation of standards, and best practices.\nDrive harmonization and standardization of quality processes across global operations.\nAudit & Certification Management\nLead enterprise internal audit programs, including planning, execution, reporting, corrective actions, and effectiveness verification.\nServe as the primary quality lead for customer audits, third-party audits, regulatory assessments, and certification audits.\nCoordinate new site certifications, surveillance audits, and recertification activities across business units and enabling functions.\nAnalyze audit trends and systemic issues to drive sustainable corrective actions and preventive improvements.\nCorrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) Leadership\nOwn enterprise CAPA governance processes and ensure effective management of quality issues, nonconformances, and continuous improvement initiatives.\nLead structured problem-solving activities utilizing methodologies including 4C, 8D, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), model-based problem solving, and 5 Why analysis.\nDrive integration of in-line Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) into enterprise quality workflows.\nEscalate systemic quality risks and facilitate resolution through cross-functional leadership and executive engagement.\nChange Control & Quality Governance\nLead Enterprise Change Control Board (CCB) governance processes, ensuring appropriate risk assessments, impact evaluations, approvals, and implementation controls.\nEstablish and monitor key quality governance metrics to measure process effectiveness and organizational compliance.\nConduct effectiveness reviews and drive continuous enhancement of change management practices.\nPartner with stakeholders to ensure quality requirements are incorporated into operational and strategic business decisions.\neQMS Ownership & Process Excellence\nServe as business process owner for assigned quality system modules, workflows, and governance processes within the electronic Quality Management System (eQMS).\nDefine system requirements, process improvements, enhancement priorities, and user adoption strategies.\nCollaborate with IT, business leaders, and quality stakeholders to improve workflow efficiency and data integrity.\nUtilize digital quality tools, analytics, and automation to increase organizational effectiveness.\nManagement Review & Quality Performance\nLead preparation and facilitation of ISO Management Reviews and executive quality review processes.\nDevelop enterprise quality performance dashboards, Quality Control Tower metrics, and management reporting tools.\nMonitor leading and lagging indicators to identify risks, trends, and improvement opportunities.\nPresent quality performance, compliance status, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.\nCustomer Quality Engagement\nManage governance processes supporting customer visits, facility tours, quality assessments, and audit activities.\nPartner with customers and internal stakeholders to address quality concerns and strengthen customer confidence.\nDrive proactive communication and resolution of quality-related risks affecting customer satisfaction.\nTraining & Organizational Development\nDevelop and deliver training programs related to quality management systems, audit readiness, problem-solving methodologies, CAPA processes, and governance requirements.\nMentor engineers, auditors, and cross-functional teams in quality principles and continuous improvement practices.\nPromote a culture of quality ownership, accountability, and operational excellence across the organization.\nContinuous Improvement & Strategic Leadership\nAnalyze quality trends, audit findings, CAPA effectiveness, process performance data, and business metrics to identify improvement opportunities.\nLead enterprise-level initiatives focused on risk reduction, process optimization, compliance enhancement, and operational excellence.\nInfluence organizational strategy through quality expertise, data-driven decision making, and best practice deployment.\nPartner with senior leaders to establish long-term quality objectives aligned with business goals.\nPreferred Qualifications & Experiences:\nBachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.\n8+ years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, or Quality Systems.\nStrong knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100D, and/or IATF 16949 standards, quality management systems, and audit processes.\nExperience leading internal audits, certification audits, customer audit readiness, CAPA programs, and quality governance activities such as Change Control Board.\nExperience with document control platforms, CAPA systems, quality workflows, and quality data analysis tools.\nStrong understanding of structured problem solving, root cause analysis, corrective action effectiveness, and risk-based thinking.\nExperience with eQMS platforms, workflow-based quality systems, document control platforms, and CAPA systems.\nExperience with MES, SPC, ERP, Power BI, and quality data analysis or manufacturing information systems.\nKnowledge of risk management tools such as FMEA, control plans, process validation, process risk assessments, and risk-based thinking methodologies.\nExcellent communication, organizational, facilitation, and project management skills.\nDemonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.\nFamiliarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes and cleanroom operations.\nExperience working within an Integrated Management System (IMS) environment.\nExperience in semiconductor manufacturing, semiconductor capital equipment, electronics manufacturing, or other high-technology manufacturing industries.\nCertified Quality Engineer (CQE), Quality Lead Auditor, Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or similar certification.\nGreen Belt or Black Belt certification, IPC standards experience, and Lean methodologies experience.\nSkills:\n8D Methodology, CAPA System, Change Control Processes, Change Management, Cross-Functional Leadership, Customer Audits, ISO 9001, Problem Solving Tools, Project Management, Quality Analysis, Quality Engineering, Quality Management, Quality Management System Auditing, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Quality Methods, Stakeholder Management, Systems Thinking\nEducation & Experience:\nMinimum 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\nPay Range:\n$136,200.00 - $178,815.00\nPay Range Explained:\nThis 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.\nEqual Employment Opportunity Statement\nFormFactor 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.\nFor 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.","company":"Formfactor","rawCompany":"formfactor","city":"Livermore","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-07T08:59:06.901Z","occupations":[{"code":"11-3051.01","title":"Quality Control Systems Managers","slug":"quality-control-systems-managers"},{"code":"19-4099.01","title":"Quality Control Analysts","slug":"quality-control-analysts"},{"code":"17-2112.02","title":"Validation Engineers","slug":"validation-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"334413","title":"Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing","slug":"semiconductor-and-related-device-manufacturing"},{"code":"334419","title":"Other Electronic Component Manufacturing","slug":"other-electronic-component-manufacturing"},{"code":"334418","title":"Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing","slug":"printed-circuit-assembly-electronic-assembly-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Sr. Principal QA Engineer","description":"Forming Our Future together\nFormFactor, 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.\nRooted 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.\nShift:\nThe regular hours for this position are day shift.\nJob Description:\nFormFactor is seeking a Senior Principal Quality Assurance Engineer to lead key elements of our enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) and drive continuous improvement across global operations. This role serves as the business process owner for critical quality system processes, including corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), audit programs, change control governance, management reviews, quality system effectiveness, and quality system module/workflow ownership within the eQMS.\nThe ideal candidate brings strong quality systems, auditing, structured problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership experience in a complex manufacturing environment. The role partners with Business Units and enabling functions to ensure compliance, operational excellence, and adoption of best-in-class quality practices.\nKey Responsibilities:\nQuality Management Systems & Compliance\nLead the development, implementation, optimization, and governance of enterprise quality management systems (QMS) across multiple sites and business functions.\nEnsure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and semiconductor industry standards.\nAct as a recognized subject matter expert for quality system requirements, interpretation of standards, and best practices.\nDrive harmonization and standardization of quality processes across global operations.\nAudit & Certification Management\nLead enterprise internal audit programs, including planning, execution, reporting, corrective actions, and effectiveness verification.\nServe as the primary quality lead for customer audits, third-party audits, regulatory assessments, and certification audits.\nCoordinate new site certifications, surveillance audits, and recertification activities across business units and enabling functions.\nAnalyze audit trends and systemic issues to drive sustainable corrective actions and preventive improvements.\nCorrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) Leadership\nOwn enterprise CAPA governance processes and ensure effective management of quality issues, nonconformances, and continuous improvement initiatives.\nLead structured problem-solving activities utilizing methodologies including 4C, 8D, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), model-based problem solving, and 5 Why analysis.\nDrive integration of in-line Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) into enterprise quality workflows.\nEscalate systemic quality risks and facilitate resolution through cross-functional leadership and executive engagement.\nChange Control & Quality Governance\nLead Enterprise Change Control Board (CCB) governance processes, ensuring appropriate risk assessments, impact evaluations, approvals, and implementation controls.\nEstablish and monitor key quality governance metrics to measure process effectiveness and organizational compliance.\nConduct effectiveness reviews and drive continuous enhancement of change management practices.\nPartner with stakeholders to ensure quality requirements are incorporated into operational and strategic business decisions.\neQMS Ownership & Process Excellence\nServe as business process owner for assigned quality system modules, workflows, and governance processes within the electronic Quality Management System (eQMS).\nDefine system requirements, process improvements, enhancement priorities, and user adoption strategies.\nCollaborate with IT, business leaders, and quality stakeholders to improve workflow efficiency and data integrity.\nUtilize digital quality tools, analytics, and automation to increase organizational effectiveness.\nManagement Review & Quality Performance\nLead preparation and facilitation of ISO Management Reviews and executive quality review processes.\nDevelop enterprise quality performance dashboards, Quality Control Tower metrics, and management reporting tools.\nMonitor leading and lagging indicators to identify risks, trends, and improvement opportunities.\nPresent quality performance, compliance status, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.\nCustomer Quality Engagement\nManage governance processes supporting customer visits, facility tours, quality assessments, and audit activities.\nPartner with customers and internal stakeholders to address quality concerns and strengthen customer confidence.\nDrive proactive communication and resolution of quality-related risks affecting customer satisfaction.\nTraining & Organizational Development\nDevelop and deliver training programs related to quality management systems, audit readiness, problem-solving methodologies, CAPA processes, and governance requirements.\nMentor engineers, auditors, and cross-functional teams in quality principles and continuous improvement practices.\nPromote a culture of quality ownership, accountability, and operational excellence across the organization.\nContinuous Improvement & Strategic Leadership\nAnalyze quality trends, audit findings, CAPA effectiveness, process performance data, and business metrics to identify improvement opportunities.\nLead enterprise-level initiatives focused on risk reduction, process optimization, compliance enhancement, and operational excellence.\nInfluence organizational strategy through quality expertise, data-driven decision making, and best practice deployment.\nPartner with senior leaders to establish long-term quality objectives aligned with business goals.\nPreferred Qualifications & Experiences:\nBachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.\n8+ years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, or Quality Systems.\nStrong knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100D, and/or IATF 16949 standards, quality management systems, and audit processes.\nExperience leading internal audits, certification audits, customer audit readiness, CAPA programs, and quality governance activities such as Change Control Board.\nExperience with document control platforms, CAPA systems, quality workflows, and quality data analysis tools.\nStrong understanding of structured problem solving, root cause analysis, corrective action effectiveness, and risk-based thinking.\nExperience with eQMS platforms, workflow-based quality systems, document control platforms, and CAPA systems.\nExperience with MES, SPC, ERP, Power BI, and quality data analysis or manufacturing information systems.\nKnowledge of risk management tools such as FMEA, control plans, process validation, process risk assessments, and risk-based thinking methodologies.\nExcellent communication, organizational, facilitation, and project management skills.\nDemonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.\nFamiliarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes and cleanroom operations.\nExperience working within an Integrated Management System (IMS) environment.\nExperience in semiconductor manufacturing, semiconductor capital equipment, electronics manufacturing, or other high-technology manufacturing industries.\nCertified Quality Engineer (CQE), Quality Lead Auditor, Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or similar certification.\nGreen Belt or Black Belt certification, IPC standards experience, and Lean methodologies experience.\nSkills:\n8D Methodology, CAPA System, Change Control Processes, Change Management, Cross-Functional Leadership, Customer Audits, ISO 9001, Problem Solving Tools, Project Management, Quality Analysis, Quality Engineering, Quality Management, Quality Management System Auditing, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Quality Methods, Stakeholder Management, Systems Thinking\nEducation & Experience:\nMinimum 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\nPay Range:\n$136,200.00 - $178,815.00\nPay Range Explained:\nThis 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.\nEqual Employment Opportunity Statement\nFormFactor 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.\nFor 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.","datePosted":"2026-08-07T08:59:06.901Z","dateModified":"2026-08-07T08:59:06.901Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Formfactor","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Livermore","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"52fa965e5d8fdf4f90d26211"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/52fa965e5d8fdf4f90d26211"}}