Site Leader / Factory Manager (m/f/d)

Forming Our Future together

Shape your future with a hidden champion of the high-tech industry. FormFactor is a leading global manufacturer of semiconductor test and measurement products, including advanced MEMS probe cards, engineering probe stations and probes, metrology systems, as well as quantum cryogenic measurement systems.   Globally, FormFactor Inc. has locations in all markets relevant to the semiconductor industry. In Germany, we develop and manufacture wafer probers for a wide range of applications. Our products and solutions contribute significantly to the development and productions of new technologies. From AI to 5G, from autonomous driving to quantum computing, almost every breakthrough innovation today has its form factor.

That looks good. Your future at FormFactor:

• Hello future!  As part of our large FormFactor family, you will play an active role in shaping current and upcoming technologies.

• Bye-bye monotony!  The challenging, varied tasks in the field of artificial intelligence and infrared applications as well as flat hierarchies offer you a lot of freedom for design and innovation.

• Your thing.  In small teams, you will work independently and close to the product. You will find your solutions and accompany the entire production cycle. 

• Just get started.  With our New Hire training plan, you will arrive relaxed your new tasks.

• It's fun. We offer you an attractive remuneration package as well as a share in the company's success.

• Being human. 30 days of vacation, flexible working hours and home office are our tools for your family and work-life balance.

• Motivated. Our pleasant, friendly working atmosphere and international collegiality are a real feel-good factor.

• Progress.  Internal training, exchange programs and an open transfer of knowledge open horizons for you.

• Perspective. As the market leader, we are operating in an incredibly exciting and crisis-proof industry of the future.

Not enough? We would be happy to introduce you to many other benefits in a personal conversation.

Job Description:

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to step into the role of Site Leader / Factory Manager for our Thiendorf/ Dresden, Germany location. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Systems 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 equipment 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 manufacturing operations including manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, and facilities. • Lead a team of 4 direct and 82 indirect reports across manufacturing, engineering, and support functions. • 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 and automation. • Ensure field readiness of all shipped systems, including validation of serviceability, tool reliability, installation readiness, and customer fab supportability. • Own the creation, accuracy, and release of all manufacturing and field service documentation, including building instructions, service manuals, troubleshooting guides, and configuration control. • Partner closely with Field Service and Customer Support to ensure tools are fully supportable in customer fabs, with robust documentation, training materials, and feedback loops into engineering. • Oversee and support external manufacturing partners building FormFactor tools, ensuring alignment on quality, configuration control, documentation standards, and field readiness expectations. • Drive operational rigor across both internal and external factories, including build quality, test coverage, serviceability validation, and on time delivery. • Establish strong governance with vendors, including performance reviews, issue resolution processes, and continuous improvement expectations. 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 factory as a strategic growth enabler. • Drive designformanufacturability and designforservice initiatives to improve tool reliability, reduce service cost, and accelerate customer adoption. 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 companywide initiatives and ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives. • Attract, retain, and develop top talent across engineering, operations, and support functions. • Build strong alignment between manufacturing, engineering, and field service teams to ensure seamless product introduction and lifecycle support. Leadership Behaviors • Lead with Bold Clarity: Make confident, insight driven decisions and challenge conventional thinking. • Empower Exceptional Teams: Build trust, inspire excellence, and enable teams to solve complex challenges. • Shape What’s Next: Lead with foresight, anticipate change, and drive innovation that scales. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree (MS, MBA, or PhD) preferred. • 10+ years of progressive leadership in semiconductor equipment manufacturing, including 5+ years in senior fab or plant leadership. • Fluency in English and German (written and spoken) to enable effective communication across global and local teams • Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, as well as working with external manufacturing partners. • Proven success in new equipment startup mode environments. • Strong financial acumen with P&L and/or COGS experience. • Experience with automation, MES systems, and data driven decision making. • Demonstrated experience in ISO, IATF, or other quality management systems. • Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse, operational team. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data driven approach to decision making. • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. • Ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

Skills:

Education & Experience:

Minimum of 12+ years of relevant experience in leadership roles, with a Bachelor’s degree; or 10 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 8 years experience; or equivalent experience | Required

Are you Interested?

Then we look forward to receiving your detailed application, stating your earliest possible starting date and your salary expectations. The fastest way to contact us is via the Apply button. You are welcome to send us a link to your profile on XING or LinkedIn for a first impression.

We look forward to receiving your application!