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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

FII

Failure Analysis Engineer (NVD SVC)

Houston, TX · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Job Summary Failure Analysis Engineer check and identify problems associated in electrical systems. Determine the cause of equipment failure and decide on an action plan to fix the products.

CSAT Solutions

Failure Analysis Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

Follows procedures and diagrams in engineering change orders * Interacts daily with operations and ... failure analysis, electronics quality inspection, or computer repair * Ability to read and ...

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Failure Analysis Engineer information

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$89K

$129.4K

How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer in Houston, TX is $88,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $112,700.00 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.
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Failure Analysis Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,984 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Failure Analysis Engineer

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

Sugar Land, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Summary

A failure analysis engineer for the process integration team will be responsible for failure analysis of semiconductor optical laser devices. He/She should have experience with front-end and back-end-of-line, and packaging processing. Good understanding of reliability evaluation techniques and understanding failure analysis experience is desirable. He/she will collaborate with other individuals and functional teams, define projects, address issues, develop improvement plans, and finally to document and deliver the desired end results.

Job Duties

  1. Responsible for internal failure analysis including device decap, internal microscopic and SEM inspection, internal measurement data analysis.

  2. Hands-on experiences on sample Preparation & Imaging: Utilize Focused Ion Beam (FIB) to prepare TEM samples and perform high-resolution imaging (HR-STEM) to identify defects at the atomic level.

  3. Root Cause Analysis: Analyze structural, electrical, and physical defects in semiconductor devices, identifying issues related to yield, reliability, or process.

  4. Material Characterization: Apply Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX/EDS) and other analytical techniques (SIMS, XPS, SEM) to characterize materials.

  5. Reporting & Collaboration: Document findings in detailed technical reports, present data to cross-functional teams (design, process, QA), and support continuous improvement initiatives.

  6. Equipment Maintenance: Ensure high uptime of TEM/FIB equipment through routine calibration and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

  1. Hands-on experience with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and FIB in a lab or manufacturing environment (typically 1–3+ years).

  2. Master’s degree or Ph.D in Material Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline plus 1 year of working experience in semiconductor laboratory or fabrication is preferred.

  3. Knowledge of compound semiconductor device theory is desired.

  4. Microsoft Access, SQL, LabVIEW and other programing skills preferred.

  5. Experience with DOE techniques and SPC (Statistical Process Control) is preferred.

  6. Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.

  7. Detail oriented and self-motivated.

  8. Ability to work independently and as a team.

  9. Ability to work in clean room environment wearing smock

  10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for successful inter and intra-group interactions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  1. Subject to noise, vibration, dust, odors, and exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.

  2. The associate work in a manufacturing environment and be require to wear personal protective equipment.

Location

This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

  • Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual needs

  • Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals

  • Unused PTO payout at end of the year

  • Relocation package available within US

  • Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.