Failure Analysis Engineer (Semiconductor / Electronics)

About the role

Our Sunnyvale, CA laboratory provides test, engineering, and reliability services to a wide range of technology sectors, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our failure analysis team supports clients in developing and refining technologies across various industries, including consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive, military, aerospace, and manufacturing. We use cutting-edge methods and tools to provide hands-on technical expertise.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the electrical and mechanical characteristics of systems and/or integrated circuits, components, sub-components and systems to determine the cause of failure, including the verification of analog and digital performance
• Analyze failure reports and recommend corrective action
• Develop methods, processes, procedures, and equipment that will improve the failure analysis process and/or reduce failures
• Serve as the source for technical information, guidance and leadership
• Perform hands-on analytical work on electronic components
• Identify and delegate work suitable for employees' capability
• Review and approval analysis data and reports
• Provide, maintain, and emphasize quality in operation and product
• Organize, coordinate members of department to facilitate workflow
• Promote and direct a cohesive team environment
• Interface with external customers to maintain professional relationships
• Identify and resolve problems within group operations
• Develop and deliver technical content for operations, sale/marketing and other business development needs
• Participate in industry conferences, seminars, tutorials and become source for technical information
• Use advanced tools and techniques to support clients by understanding their needs, designing and executing analytical plans, providing insights, and recommending next steps

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or other technical and science fields highly desired
• 5+ years of direct experience in Semiconductor or Electronics Failure Analysis

Preferred Hands-on Experience and Expertise:

• Electrical Test/Measurements: ATE datalog, Curve trace, Bench test (parametric analyzer, o-scopes, CV measurement, etc.)
• X-ray (2D and CT/3D)
• Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (C-SAM)
• Fault isolation techniques: OBIRCH, XIVA, emmi, IR Thermography, LVP/LTP, SDL/LADA
• Deprocessing (RIE, parallel lapping, PFIB, etc.)
• Chemical etching (HF, acids/bases, delineation, etc.)
• Plasma etching (RIE, ICP, CF4, etc.)
• Cross sectioning (metallurgical, ion mill, DB FIB, etc.)
• SEM/EDS
• Microprobing/Picoprobing/Nanoprobing
• Dye and Pry
• Warpage measurement (shadow or projection moire)

Desired Job Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Knowledge in Device physics, circuits/schematics, IC design, semiconductor fabrication and package manufacturing, etc.
• Industry Standards: ISO, MIL-STD, AEC, JEDEC, IPC, etc.
• FinFET and advanced node technology
• DPA (Destructive Physical Analysis)
• Software: GDS layout, LabView
• Excellent written communication skills
• Must be a proficient communicator and listener
• Must be hands-on in a laboratory environment, operating tools, performing techniques, etc.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

Schedule

Full-time, onsite lab role. Typical Monday–Friday daytime hours; flexibility required to support urgent analyses, extended hours, or occasional weekend work based on lab demand.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401k Company Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Program
• Education Assistance

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer or lab equipment for extended periods (4+ hours)
• Ability to operate a keyboard and other lab equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 80% of the time
• Ability to communicate clearly and understandably in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in group settings
• Ability to handle small and fragile devices with tweezers and/or fingers
• Require close-distance visual acuity with or without correction (glasses, contacts, etc.)
• Must be willing and able to wear PPE such as respirator, hard-hat, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, laboratory coat, and other required devices or equipment
• Ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in workflow contexts
• Ability to move equipment or items up to 50 lbs