Sr. Director, Operations

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.

Shift

The regular hours for this position are day shift.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to step into the role of Sr. Director, Operations for our Livermore factory. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, this position plays a vital role in shaping the vision, operational excellence, and ongoing advancement of our global operations. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the full operational, strategic, and cultural direction of the site. The ideal candidate will bring deep semiconductor manufacturing expertise, a passion for technical excellence, and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Oversee all fab operations including wafer fabrication, assembly & test, equipment engineering, process control, and facilities.
• Drive first-pass line yield to industry benchmarks through a “first time right” culture.
• Lead technology transfer of key process capabilities between sites to build a resilient, flexible global supply chain network.
• Drive cycle time performance to best-in-class benchmarks through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain a dynamic capacity model to support technology ramps and volume scaling.
• Manage COGS elements—labor, materials, equipment—to meet aggressive financial targets.
• Oversee equipment lifecycle planning aligned with technology nodes and productivity goals.
• Implement best-in-class practices in lean manufacturing, SPC, and automation.

Strategic Execution

- Define and execute a long-range site strategy including capital investment, inventory optimization, and cycle time reduction.

- Collaborate with R&D and business units to align fab capabilities with future node transitions and customer needs.

- Identify and pursue new business opportunities that position the fab as a strategic growth enabler.

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the global facilities team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Mentor and develop high-performing teams, cultivating talent and building capabilities aligned with FormFactor’s growth and operational goals.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional leaders, driving company-wide initiatives and ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives.
• Attract, retain, and develop top talent across engineering, operations, and support functions.

Leadership Behaviors

- Lead with Ownership & Clarity: Make confident, insight-driven decisions and challenge conventional thinking.

- Motivate & Develop Exceptional Teams: Build trust, inspire excellence, and enable teams to solve complex challenges.

- Focus on the Customer & shape what’s next: Lead with foresight, anticipate change, and drive innovation that scales.

Skills

Automation, Business Operations, Communication, Etching, Executive Influence, Film Deposition, Leadership, Leadership Development, Mentorship, Metrology, Negotiation, Operations Management, P&L Reporting, People Management, Photolithography, Problem Solving, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Stakeholder Dialogue, Team Development, Team Management

Education & Experience

Minimum of 14+ years of related experience, including leadership roles, with a Bachelor’s degree; or 12 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 10 years experience; or equivalent experience | Required

Pay Range

$213,800.00 - $280,560.00

Pay Range Explained

This role in Livermore, California pays between $213,800.00 and $280,560.00 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

FormFactor 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.

For roles that are designated as remote-eligible, employees cannot be located in: AL, AK, AR, DE, GA, HI, IL, IA, 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.