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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Petlibro

Failure Analysis Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Position Overview As a Failure Analysis Engineer (FAE), you will play a critical role in supporting product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction for our IoT product portfolio. You will be ...

Power Integrations

Failure Analysis Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$76K - $121K/yr

Description Silicon level Failure Analysis Engineer will perform device level failure analysis to support RMA and customer issues. Responsibilities: • Performing fault isolation and defect analysis ...

Synopsys

Hardware Failure Analysis Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$162K - $243K/yr

... failure analysis records and communicating actionable insights to stakeholders. * Foster cross-functional collaboration, enhancing teamwork between engineering, manufacturing, and customer support.

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Failure Analysis Engineer information

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$44.9K

$92K

$133.7K

How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer in California is $91,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Failure Analysis Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectFailure Analysis EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like ASQ CQE or FAIBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, quality assurance settingsResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, product development
Industry UsageAutomotive, electronics, aerospace, manufacturingMaterials development, testing, quality control across industries

Failure Analysis Engineers focus on diagnosing product failures to improve quality, often working in labs and manufacturing settings. Materials Engineers develop and test materials used in products, ensuring durability and performance. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Failure Analysis Engineers specialize in failure diagnostics, whereas Materials Engineers focus on material development and testing.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior failure analysis engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in materials and failure modes, and often advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are typically found in industries like aerospace, semiconductor, or energy, especially for those in leadership roles or with significant technical expertise.

What Does a Failure Analysis Engineer Do?

Failure analysis engineers check and identify problems associated with business processes. These errors primarily take place in electrical systems. Failure analysis engineers determine the cause of equipment failure and decide on an action plan to avoid similar issues in the future. Daily responsibilities include conducting tests on electrical systems to determine usability and life cycle, performing preventative maintenance, and conducting emergency maintenance on electrical components. Qualifications typically include a master’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, but most employers also provide on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges faced by Failure Analysis Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Failure Analysis Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited access to failed components, incomplete failure histories, and tight deadlines for root cause identification. Overcoming these challenges requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with cross-functional teams, and creative problem-solving skills. Building a robust process for data collection and collaborating closely with manufacturing, design, and quality teams can help ensure thorough investigations and more accurate recommendations for corrective actions.

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

To thrive as a Failure Analysis Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, electrical or mechanical engineering, and experience with analytical and diagnostic techniques, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with laboratory tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray analysis systems, and failure analysis software is common, and certifications like Six Sigma can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for clearly documenting findings and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are essential to accurately identify root causes of failures, drive product improvements, and minimize costly defects in manufacturing processes.

What do failure analysis engineers do?

Failure analysis engineers investigate the causes of product or component failures by examining materials, manufacturing processes, and operational conditions. They use tools such as microscopy, testing equipment, and data analysis to identify root causes and recommend improvements to prevent future failures. This role often requires strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles.

How much does a failure analysis engineer make at AMD?

A failure analysis engineer at AMD typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of expertise. Salaries may also include bonuses and benefits, and the role often requires knowledge of failure analysis tools and semiconductor testing processes.

What does a Failure Analysis Engineer do?

A Failure Analysis Engineer investigates the causes of failures in products, components, or systems to determine why they did not perform as expected. They use various analytical techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and stress testing to identify defects or issues. Their work helps manufacturers improve product reliability, prevent future failures, and enhance overall quality. These engineers often collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to implement corrective actions based on their findings.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior failure analysis engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in materials and failure modes, and often working in high-demand industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, or automotive can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, often including bonuses and stock options.
More about Failure Analysis Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in California are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Failure Analysis Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Failure Analysis Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in CA? For Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Failure Analysis Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,959 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Failure Analysis Engineer

Rootshell Enterprise Technologies, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Hello All,
Greetings from Rootshell Inc.
Rootshell Enterprise Technologies Inc. is a recognized provider of professional IT Consulting services in the US. We are actively seeking Failure Analysis Engineer for one of our client, Please share your resume with current location & full contact info
Title:Failure Analysis Engineer
Location:Santa Clara, CA(onsite)
Job Description:
Drive returned product Failure Analysis, characterizing failures, and escalating issues and trends to the Hardware Quality Engineering team
Resolve escalated RMA's by determining the hardware root cause of the failure issue.
Track and report on RMA failure trends by product and cause to the Tech Op's team.
Track the progress of all in-progress RMA's requiring FA and prioritizing accordingly.
Monitor process and product corrective actions to ensure changes were in fact effective in improving the product.
Maintain accurate data entry into SAP and Salesforce database tools.
Thanks & Regards
Mohd Sayeed | Senior Recruiter
Rootshell Enterprise Technologies Inc.
sayeed@rootshellinc.com

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