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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Metallurgical Engineer (Ph.D)

Bowie, MD · On-site

$140K - $157K/yr

Conducting hands-on failure analyses * Materials characterization, metallurgical analysis ... D. in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering, and a familiarity with ...

Conducting hands-on failure analyses * Materials characterization, metallurgical analysis ... D. in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering, and a familiarity with ...

Engineer Systems

Dulles, VA · On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Failure analysis or fault management technical experience * Experience with Systems Engineering process * Experience defining requirements & interfaces * Understanding of spacecraft integration ...

Engineer Systems

Sterling, VA · On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Failure analysis or fault management technical experience * Experience with Systems Engineering process * Experience defining requirements & interfaces * Understanding of spacecraft integration ...

Network Security Engineer 3

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Work closely with system engineering and test engineering to develop and validate hardware portion of test plans, test procedures, throughput models, failure analysis, and risk analysis * Develop ...

Showing results 41-60

Failure Analysis Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$51.5K

$105.5K

$153.5K

How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer in Washington is $105,534.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $133,600.00 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 Washington? The most popular types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Washington? For Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Failure Analysis Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Failure Analysis Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in WA? For Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,534 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Electrical and Electronics Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Bowie, MD • On-site

$140K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Exponent
Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.
Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.
Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you'll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!
Key statistics:
  • 950+ Consultants
  • 640+ Ph.D.s
  • 90+ Disciplines
  • 30+ Offices globally

Our Opportunity
We are currently seeking a qualified physicist or an Electrical and Electronics Engineer for our Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice in Bowie, MD or Natick, MA. In this role, you will work as part of a team to assess a wide range of electromagnetics-related challenges and develop engineering solutions for a variety of technology areas such as electromagnetic compatibility of industrial or consumer electronics, utility power lines, implantable medical devices, solar and wind farms, and battery energy storage systems.
In this role, you will leverage a deep knowledge of electromagnetism along with strong analytical and experimental abilities to deliver high-value solutions to complex technical challenges. You will also apply your technical expertise across a diverse range of industries, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders including managers, engineers, and legal professionals. You will be expected to pursue ongoing professional growth, both in technical areas relevant to your expertise and in business skills essential to providing effective consulting services.
You will be responsible for
  • Performing engineering and electromagnetic analyses for Exponent projects, including electromagnetic interference assessments, electromagnetic induction analysis, safety compliance investigations, patent analyses, and failure analyses
  • Performing reliability and failure analysis on electrical/electronic systems and components, computer systems, power equipment and computer networks
  • Presenting technical results and solutions to diverse audiences through verbal, written, and interactive communication
  • Preparing technical proposals, pursuing business opportunities, and expanding the range of electromagnetics-related services for clients
  • Obtaining a professional license in Electrical Engineering

You will have the following skills and qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
  • Strong background in electromagnetics and an interest in both computational and experimental studies and data driven techniques to engineering challenges
  • Ability to troubleshoot electronic and electrical systems
  • Experience with at least one common programming language such as Python, C/C++, Java, MATLAB, or similar
  • Knowledge of RF design or hands-on experience with RF measurements
  • Expertise in electromagnetic induction and capacitive coupling within electrical circuits
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills, and ability to work independently or in multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to gather information and convey technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, and related industry
  • Ability to support multiple group projects and market the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Practice and its consulting services

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].
Life @ Exponent
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact
Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.
Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.
Work Environment
At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.
We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite
Compensation
Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
Salary Range
USD $140,000.00 - USD $154,000.00 /Yr.
Benefits you will enjoy
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.
Job Locations
US-MD-Bowie
US-MA-Natick