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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

RF Engineer

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

RF Engineer Location: Chelmsford, MA About the Role We are seeking an experienced RF Engineer to ... Perform hands-on hardware evaluation, testing, and failure analysis. Investigate production-related ...

Senior Yield Engineer

Cambridge, MA

$114K - $156K/yr

The Yield Engineer will establish and execute a unified yield strategy across the MEMS ... of failure mode and effect analysis and risk reduction, author control plans, establish ...

Senior Yield Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

... failure analysis strategy (SEM, FIB, TEM, profilometry, hermeticity/leak test) and translation of results into engineering decisions with cost/schedule tradeoffs Duties/Responsibilities • Designs ...

Mechanical Design & Validation Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Analyze test data to identify root causes, failure modes, and design improvements * Drive iterative ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET), or ...

... failure analysis, origin-and-cause investigations, environmental consulting, laboratory testing and specialty consulting. Our forensic investigation, engineering and environmental services teams ...

Quality Engineer II

Concord, MA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Quality Engineer II Status: Exempt (salaried) Department: Quality Position Summary The Quality ... Participate in complaint investigations, failure analysis of returned products, and issues ...

Showing results 41-60

Failure Analysis Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$49.4K

$101.2K

$147.2K

How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer in Boston, MA is $101,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $128,200.00 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 Boston, MA? The most popular types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? For Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Failure Analysis Engineer jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Failure Analysis Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,230 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Hardware Reliability Engineer II (R4675)

Shield AI

Boston, MA • On-site

$81K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description: As a Hardware Reliability Engineer (Engineer II) at Shield AI, you will support efforts to ensure the robustness and long-term performance of our VBAT flight hardware. You'll work closely with design, manufacturing, and supplier teams to help implement design-for-reliability best practices and assist with reliability verification activities from concept through production.
 
In this role, you will contribute to environmental and stress testing efforts, support failure analysis investigations, and help analyze test and field data to identify potential reliability risks. You'll participate in design reviews and FMEA activities, assist in root cause investigations for manufacturing and field issues, and support initiatives to improve hardware reliability across the program.
What you'll do:
  • Support environmental and stress testing efforts (e.g., temperature cycling, vibration, HALT/HASS) to validate hardware reliability
  • Assist in failure analysis and root cause investigations for manufacturing non-conformances and field returns
  • Analyze test results and field data to help identify potential failure modes and reliability risks
  • Collaborate with design engineers to incorporate design-for-reliability best practices
  • Participate in design reviews and FMEA activities to evaluate potential issues
  • Support development of corrective actions and process improvements to enhance hardware reliability
  • Assist in reviewing materials, manufacturing processes, and component selection for reliability considerations
  • Utilize data analysis tools (e.g., Python) to support reliability assessments and reporting
  • Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams
  • Travel occasionally to support testing or supplier engagements as needed
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Reliability Engineering, or a related field
  • 1-3 years of experience (internships or co-ops acceptable) in hardware, materials, or reliability engineering
  • Foundational understanding of materials science, electronics (PCBs/PCBAs), and/or mechanical systems
  • Familiarity with basic reliability concepts and environmental testing methods
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented, cross-functional environment
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Hands-on experience with failure analysis or lab testing (academic or industry)
  • Exposure to environmental testing (temperature, vibration, HALT/HASS)
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as PCB fabrication, SMT, or mechanical assembly
  • Basic proficiency in Python or similar tools for data analysis
  • Exposure to industry standards such as IPC, JEDEC, MIL, or similar
$81,456 - $137,490 a year
#LI-JM2
#LB

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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