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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Penguin Solutions

Sr. Failure Analysis Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer At Penguin Solutions (Nasdaq: PENG) - The AI Factory Platform Company - we're building a team of innovators who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and the ...

Nvidia

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Failure Analysis Engineer to join our world-class Failure Analysis Lab. In this role, you won't just solve problems-you will work at the dynamic ...

Nvidia

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a software-focused Senior Failure Analysis Engineer who can blend deep development with production support ownership. This hybrid role sits at the intersection of software ...

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Failure Analysis Engineer information

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How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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.

How much does a failure analysis engineer make?

Failure analysis engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like aerospace, electronics, or manufacturing.

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 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?

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 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.
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Failure Analysis Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,959 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Senior Physical Failure Analysis Engineer

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

NVIDIA is the pioneer of GPU-accelerated computing and the engine powering the global AI revolution. We build the full-stack AI infrastructure, advanced microelectronics, and hardware ecosystems that drive everything from massive data center AI factories to autonomous vehicles, robotics, and advanced scientific simulation. Physical Failure Analysis team is relentlessly committed to quality, pushing the boundaries of semiconductor innovation and hardware reliability.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Failure Analysis Engineer to join our world-class Failure Analysis Lab. In this role, you won't just solve problems-you will work at the dynamic intersection of physics, process technology, physical design, and circuit design to investigate complex product failures and drive critical engineering solutions. The Mission: Perform Physical Failure Analysis (PFA) on some of the world's most advanced integrated circuits, deep learning processors, and system architectures, uncovering root causes that directly shape the future of computing. We are looking for an adaptable technical expert capable of translating open-ended challenges into actionable insights. If you excel in fast-paced environments and want to help build the infrastructure defining the modern era, we encourage you to apply.
What You'll Be Doing:
Develop Advanced FA Techniques & Methodologies
  • Pioneer Novel Methods: Design and implement cutting-edge methodologies to drive successful root-cause investigations on leading-edge silicon, advanced heterogeneous packaging technologies, and complex integrated systems.
  • Precision De-processing: Perform mechanical cross-sectioning, parallel de-layering, and advanced chemical/plasma de-processing of integrated circuit (IC) devices across die, package, component, and board levels.
  • Nanoscale Analysis: Apply advanced Focused Ion Beam (FIB) sample preparation and analysis techniques to enable high-resolution electrical and physical diagnostics of IC chips.
  • Innovate Characterization Platforms: Develop novel characterization techniques and specialized analysis platforms tailored for emerging chip structures with advanced silicon architectures and complex packaging schemes.
  • Optimize Workflows: Design and implement robust failure analysis (FA) workflows to improve laboratory efficiency and guarantee accurate, reproducible root-cause determination.

Conduct In-Depth FA Investigations
  • Lead Root-Cause Investigations: Head high-impact failure analysis investigations to isolate the root causes of critical failures affecting product yield, performance, and long-term reliability.
  • Support multi-functional Engineering: Deliver precise physical characterization data to support engineering teams with Design of Experiments (DOE) evaluations, design optimization, process node improvements, and critical customer FA requests.

What We Need to See:
  • Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of semiconductor IC fabrication, advanced packaging/assembly processes, and advanced failure analysis methodologies.
  • Sample Preparation: Proven proficiency in precision IC device sample preparation for targeted defect localization and physical root-cause analysis.
  • Microscopy & Inspection: Hands-on expertise with advanced Optical and Electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), alongside related analytical inspection techniques.
  • System-Level Analysis: Strong working knowledge of physical and electrical failure analysis across die, package, component, and board levels.
  • Education & Experience: A B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field (or equivalent experience), paired with at least 8 years of relevant, hands-on experience.

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most hard-working and dedicated people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our best-in-class engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 144,000 USD - 230,000 USD.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 13, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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