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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in Bloomington, MN

Field Quality and Supplier Quality Engineering Location: Chaska, MN (Fully Onsite) Terms: Long-Term ... Perform field failure analysis on parts identified by customer * Verify correctness of quality ...

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Failure Analysis Engineer information

See Bloomington, MN salary details

$45.7K

$93.6K

$136.2K

How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer in Bloomington, MN is $93,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $118,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

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, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in materials or electronics can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in Bloomington, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,630 per year, or $45 per hour.

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Materials Engineer II – Exempt

Location: Mounds View, MN


Job Description:

We are seeking a Materials Engineer II to support materials engineering activities for medical-device products. The ideal candidate will have hands-on laboratory experience along with knowledge of metals, electrochemistry, material properties, and materials characterization.

This position will support product development, technical investigations, failure analysis, and materials-related problem solving. The engineer will work independently on moderately complex assignments while collaborating with cross-functional engineering and technical teams.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct laboratory testing, materials characterization, and failure analysis to support product development and issue resolution.
  • Analyze materials and their interactions with the body and surrounding environment.
  • Evaluate material properties and correlate them with product performance to identify and predict potential failure modes.
  • Apply principles of chemistry, physics, electrochemistry, and material behavior to metallic, nonmetallic, and composite materials.
  • Support the development and optimization of materials, material specifications, fabrication processes, and application processes.
  • Perform material analysis and contribute to life predictions, material requirements, and engineering specifications.
  • Investigate material or component failures and provide technical recommendations for corrective actions and product improvements.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams to develop technical solutions and achieve project objectives.
  • Review technical documentation, laboratory data, specifications, and engineering records to identify critical information needed for investigations and decision-making.
  • Prepare and communicate technical findings, test results, and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
  • Support quality and regulatory requirements applicable to laboratory and materials engineering activities.
  • May review subcontractor material processing procedures and provide technical input as needed.


Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering/science discipline.
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with applicable academic experience.
  • Hands-on laboratory testing experience.
  • Knowledge of metals and material properties.
  • Working knowledge of electrochemistry.
  • Understanding of how materials interact with the body and environmental conditions.
  • Ability to correlate material properties with product performance and potential failure modes.
  • Experience with materials analysis, characterization, troubleshooting, or failure analysis.
  • Strong analytical, technical documentation, and communication skills.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in medical devices, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or another regulated industry.
  • Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
  • Experience with analytical techniques such as:
  • HPLC
  • Gas Chromatography (GC)
  • PCR
  • Spectrophotometry
  • Experience with materials characterization techniques.
  • Experience with corrosion, degradation, or electrochemical testing.
  • Experience with root-cause analysis and technical investigations.


Top 3 Skills:

  1. Laboratory Testing / Materials Characterization
  2. Metals / Materials Science
  3. Electrochemistry


Day-to-Day Activities:

  • Perform laboratory testing and materials characterization.
  • Investigate material and product failures and support root-cause analysis.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on technical solutions and product development.
  • Review technical documentation, specifications, and test data.
  • Analyze material behavior and its impact on product performance.
  • Document and communicate technical findings and recommendations.


Work Environment:

This is an onsite position in Mounds View, Minnesota. The engineer will work in laboratory and engineering environments and collaborate regularly with cross-functional teams.


Equal Opportunity:

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and maintaining an inclusive workplace.