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Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Failure Analysis Engineer Join TSMC Arizona, a world-class leader in semiconductor manufacturing, where innovation drives the future. As part of our team, you'll work alongside top talent in a ...

Failure Analysis Engineer Join TSMC Arizona, a world-class leader in semiconductor manufacturing, where innovation drives the future. As part of our team, you'll work alongside top talent in a ...

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Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level information

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$45.5K

$93.2K

$135.5K

How much do failure analysis engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer entry level in the United States is $93,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Failure Analysis Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Failure Analysis Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, electrical or mechanical engineering, and a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory tools such as electron microscopes, spectroscopy equipment, and data analysis software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate identification of failure causes, clear reporting, and improved product reliability.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level Failure Analysis Engineers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level Failure Analysis Engineers often face challenges such as learning to interpret complex data, understanding diverse failure mechanisms, and adapting to fast-paced, cross-functional environments. Navigating unfamiliar analytical tools and laboratory equipment can also be daunting at first. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should actively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in ongoing training, and collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams. Embracing a proactive learning mindset and asking questions during investigations will help build confidence and technical expertise.

What does a Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level do?

A Failure Analysis Engineer at the entry level is responsible for investigating product defects or failures to determine their root causes. They use analytical tools and techniques to examine failed components, document findings, and suggest corrective actions to improve product reliability. Entry-level engineers often work under the supervision of experienced team members and collaborate with manufacturing, design, and quality assurance teams. Their work is crucial for reducing future failures and enhancing overall product performance.

What is the difference between Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level vs Failure Analyst?

AspectFailure Analysis Engineer Entry LevelFailure Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or Materials Science, relevant certificationsBachelor's or higher in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, R&D labs, quality assuranceManufacturing plants, quality control labs, R&D departments
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, aerospace, manufacturingElectronics, automotive, industrial equipment, manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level and Failure Analyst roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within manufacturing and quality assurance sectors. The main difference lies in job scope: Failure Analysis Engineers typically focus on designing and conducting complex failure investigations, while Failure Analysts may handle routine failure assessments and data analysis. Both roles are essential for quality improvement and product reliability in various industries.

More about Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level jobs
What cities are hiring for Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities with the most Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level jobs? States with the most job openings for Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level jobs are:
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer Entry Level job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,179 per year, or $44.8 per hour.
Failure Analysis Engineer (Starshield)

Failure Analysis Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

FAILURE ANALYSIS ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. 

The Failure Analysis Engineer will interface with PCBA production, Supplier Development, Reliability, and EEE Piece Part groups. Familiarity with SMT manufacturing, EEE piece parts, and failure analysis equipment for both destructive and non-destructive analysis is required. Working directly in the Failure Analysis laboratory, this position will support the analysis of failures observed in production, determine the quality of the manufacturing process, and support investigations into nonconforming product. The goal of the team is to support this analysis through all phases of product life-cycles, including build and test of pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware, as well as supporting existing production lines. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in mechanical and electrical disciplines, hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, works well in a fast-paced environment, and possesses a can-do attitude. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Support destructive and non-destructive analyses during development and pre-production phases of hardware life-cycles, including pre-production, qualification, and flight hardware
  • Support engineering in analysis of rework and recovery efforts on non-conforming hardware 
  • Assist with analyses into piece part failures, as well as non-conforming material 
  • Support efforts on First Article Inspection Reports 
  • Provide targeted surge support for company critical analyses or qualification test efforts 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in material science, electrical engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline 
  • 1+ years of experience in semiconductor, package, and/or PCBA reliability 
  • 1+ years of work experience failure analysis on semiconductor packages and devices 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Master's degree in material science or advanced degree in a related field  
  • Experience with non-destructive analysis techniques such as Visual Inspection, X-Ray, CT scan, SEM, CSAM, curve tracing, etc. 
  • Experience with destructive analysis techniques such as Cross Section, Parallel Lapping and Polishing, dye and pry, and chemical decapsulation
  • Experience with semiconductor analysis techniques OBIRCH, photo emission analysis, thermal emission analysis, etc. 
  • Understanding of basic electronic theory 
  • Experience in electrical troubleshooting 
  • Ability to work independently and problem solve efficiently with minimal supervision 
  • Ability to stay organized with strong attention to detail 
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be comfortable working in tight spaces
  • Must be comfortable using power tools like saws and sanders
  • Must be comfortable using hand tools like awls, hammers, or shears
  • Must be comfortable in handling corrosive chemicals using proper PPE 
  • Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls
  • Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $105,000 - $122,500
Level 2: $120,000 - $150,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.


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