Lead Failure Analysis and Reliability Lab Engineer

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Master’s degree in Materials Science preferred.
• PhD in Materials Science or Physics is a plus.
• Strong ability to read, analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific, technical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to effectively respond to customer, regulatory, and business inquiries in a professional manner.
• Proven ability to present complex information to senior leadership and diverse audiences.
• Advanced PC skills, including proficiency in enterprise and engineering software tools.
• Strong foundation in mathematics, including probability, statistics, geometry, trigonometry, and numerical analysis techniques.
• Ability to apply mathematical and analytical concepts to real-world engineering problems.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex variables and limited standardization.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions in written, diagrammatic, or verbal formats.
• Proven capability to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Hands-on experience with analytical and inspection equipment, including SEM, EDAX, 3D X-Ray, CMM, measuring microscopes, and metallography/sample preparation techniques.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Technical Management Responsibilities
• Improve component quality of non-conforming products through robust failure analysis and by driving corrective actions with suppliers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Design, Quality, Purchasing, and Manufacturing, to resolve and prevent component-related issues.
• Monitor component reject rates and respond proactively to trends and escalations.
• Communicate technical findings related to component failures to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Recover costs associated with rejected components through supplier returns and claim processes.
• Implement proactive initiatives to enhance productivity, increase yields, and reduce cost impact from defects.
• Respond promptly to production line issues and manage components under hold status.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of sensitive components.
• Engage with customer engineering teams in a professional and effective manner.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain and ensure calibration of analytical equipment such as CMM, SEM, EDAX, 3D X-Ray, and metallography tools.
• Adhere to and enforce all company security policies and procedures.
• Recruitment and Retention
• Recruit, interview, and hire Failure Analysis Engineers and Technicians.
• Partner with recruiters to define candidate qualifications and role expectations.
• Coach team members on effective interviewing and hiring practices.
• Monitor team retention and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Employee and Team Development
• Assess individual and team strengths and development areas on an ongoing basis.
• Develop and/or validate training programs within the functional area.
• Mentor and coach engineers to deliver high-quality results for both internal and external customers.
• Performance Management
• Establish clear, measurable goals and objectives aligned to operational and organizational metrics.
• Gather and incorporate feedback from cross-functional leaders and stakeholders.
• Provide continuous coaching, counseling, and performance feedback.
• Recognize team achievements and foster a culture of engagement and accountability.
• Conduct timely and professional performance evaluations.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational metrics and business outcomes.
• Lead teams effectively during high-pressure or critical situations.
• Ensure fair and consistent recognition and reward practices.
• Communication
• Foster an open environment for sharing ideas, feedback, and information.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats.
• Encourage team participation and input.
• Adapt communication style to effectively engage diverse audiences.
• Business Strategy and Direction
• Understand and support campus-level strategic objectives.
• Develop and execute Failure Analysis Engineering strategies aligned with broader business goals.
• Provide regular updates on strategy execution to Engineering and Product Design leadership.
• Cost Management
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities through process improvements and system optimization.
• Monitor departmental cost performance and trends, driving continuous value improvement.
• Provide feedback on cost impacts and trends to Engineering leadership.