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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Failure analysis including preservation of evidence techniques * Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) * Engineering design standards and their application

Failure analysis including preservation of evidence techniques * Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) * Engineering design standards and their application

Failure analysis including preservation of evidence techniques * Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) * Engineering design standards and their application

Failure analysis including preservation of evidence techniques * Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) * Engineering design standards and their application

Failure analysis including preservation of evidence techniques * Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) * Engineering design standards and their application

Failure analysis including preservation of evidence techniques * Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) * Engineering design standards and their application

Failure analysis including preservation of evidence techniques * Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) * Engineering design standards and their application

Failure analysis including preservation of evidence techniques * Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) * Engineering design standards and their application

Conduct root-cause and failure analysis on RF and EW component and board-level failures, working ... Must have 8+ years of reliability engineering experience, including significant work on RF ...

Conduct root-cause and failure analysis on RF and EW component and board-level failures, working ... Must have 8+ years of reliability engineering experience, including significant work on RF ...

Conduct root-cause and failure analysis on RF and EW component and board-level failures, working ... Must have 8+ years of reliability engineering experience, including significant work on RF ...

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Failure Analysis Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$92.4K

$134.3K

How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer in Virginia is $92,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $117,000.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in VA? For Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,380 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer

Bowhead / UIC Technical Services

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer (DETO-2026-25746): Bowhead seeks new team members in their support to the Navy’s Weapons Systems Munitions Integration and Hypersonic division. Join a mission‑driven team at the forefront of modern weapon system assessment. This role places you directly in the analytical engine room of laser lethality and survivability studies—where physics, engineering, and real‑world threat understanding converge. You won’t just model systems; you’ll help decode how weapons achieve kill, how targets respond, and what drives true operational effectiveness ***This position will require full onsite work at the Bowhead office or Navy installation. No remote opportunity for this contract*** Responsibilities Job duties to include but are not limited to: Analyze how High Energy Laser weapons can defeat other weapon systems with analytical and high-fidelity models of material, subsystem and full up system response. Analyze weapon engagement kill mechanisms to understand how energy deposition, material response, and subsystem interactions drive mission‑level effects. Analyze the effects and logic of failures to understand system vulnerabilities and predict failure mechanisms. Characterize weapon system vulnerabilities. Model weapon system geometries to support high‑fidelity vulnerability and lethality assessments. Perform weapon engagement analyses to quantify time-to-kill and probability of kill. Perform additional technical duties as assigned in support of Navy weapons integration and assessment efforts. Other Duties as assigned Qualifications ***This position will require full onsite work at the Bowhead office or Navy installation. No remote opportunity for this contract*** Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline. Proficiency with 3D modeling and geometry development. Strong analytical foundation in mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and system modeling. Proficiency in programming and scripting for modeling, data analysis, and simulation automation. Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with government personnel, contractors, and cross‑functional engineering teams. Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for documentation and communication. Experience performing Failure Mode Effectiveness Analysis (FMEA), developing Failure Analysis Logic Trees (FALT), and generating Target Vulnerability Characterizations (TVC) products. Experience developing Vulnerability Modules (VMs), particularly for High Energy Laser (HEL) systems. Experience conducting engagement analysis, including generating TTK plots and Pk assessments using modeling and simulation tools. Familiarity with vulnerability/lethality analysis frameworks, survivability modeling, or DoD weapon system assessment processes. Experience supporting classified programs or working within secure facilities. Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location. #LI-BG1