Principal Signal Integrity Engineer
Job Description
The regular hours for this position are day shift.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Analysis
- Complete signal and power integrity analysis for high-speed interconnects (PCB, package, MLO, probe card).Develop and validate electrical models for Transmission lines, vias, connectors, and PDN (Power Distribution Network) structure.
Define stack-ups, impedance targets, and routing constraints.
Evaluate and optimize Reflections, insertion/return loss, and Crosstalk and jitter performance.
Simulation & Modeling
Use EM and circuit tools (e.g., HFSS, ADS, SIwave, PowerSI) for Frequency-domain and time-domain analysis.
Build system/channel models (e.g., IBIS-AMI, eye diagrams).
Run what-if studies to optimize performance and reduce design risk.
Testing & Validation
Define and execute SI validation plans using VNA, TDR, TDT and high-speed measurement setups.
Define test fixtures and correlation structures.
Drive simulation-to-measurement correlation and root cause analysis.
Drive design improvements based on measured data.
Design Support & Collaboration
Provide design guidelines, constraints, and best practices to layout teams and electrical design engineers.
Collaborate globally with engineering teams and customers.
Support new product development programs (e.g., probe cards, load boards).
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Improve modeling methodologies and design workflows.
Reduce simulation cycle time and improve design quality.
Stay current with High-speed interfaces (PCIe, HBM, SerDes), and Emerging packaging and interconnect technologies.
Contribute to next-generation architecture and roadmap development.
Preferred Qualifications
BS/MS in Electrical Engineering (or related field).
4+ years of relevant experience in SI/PI analysis and design.
Strong understanding of Transmission line theory, Power integrity principles, and Crosstalk and signal degradation mechanisms.
Experience with tools such as HFSS, ADS, SIwave, PowerSI, PowerDC, SPICE, Allegro, MATLAB.
Hands-on experience with measurement tools (VNA, TDR/TDT).
Experience with high-speed interfaces (PAM4, SerDes, PCIe, HBM).
Scripting/automation (Python, MATLAB).
Experience in advanced packaging, probe cards, or fine-pitch interconnects.
Skills
Alegro PCB Designer
ANSYS HFSS
Cadence Tools
High Speed Interfaces
MATLAB
Power Distribution Design
Power Integrity
PSpice Circuit Simulation
Python (Programming Language)
SERDES
Signal Integrity
Signal Integrity Analysis
Transmission Line Design
Pay Range
This role in Livermore, California pays between $110,700.00 and $145,320.00 per year, depending on your experience, skills, and background. Pay may vary in other locations.
Benefits
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.
Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses.
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, 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.