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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Failure Analysis Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We are seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer who will work with other team members to deliver the highest quality results to IOActive's clients throughout the world. Who you are: Our experts operate at ...

Lead analysis teams comprised of Suppliers, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, airline ... failure analysis * 3+ years of experience testing hydraulic and/or mechanical control systems * 1+ ...

Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations for material-related anomalies, establishing ... Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics ...

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Failure Analysis Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$51.8K

$106K

$154.2K

How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer in Seattle, WA is $106,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $134,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, and why are they important?

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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,040 per year, or $51 per hour.
Failure Analysis Engineer

Failure Analysis Engineer

IOActive

Seattle, WA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

OUR MISSION UNITES US
"Making the world a safer and more secure place."
It's our mission, plain and simple. It drives everything we do - from research to client work to community involvement. And it unifies our global team into an elite force with integrity, fierce passion, and relentless creativity that doesn't just "push the envelope" or "think outside the box." We shred the envelope, crush the box, and we have fun doing it. We are always looking for people who share our mission to join us.
About IOActive:
IOActive, a trusted partner for Global 1000 enterprises, provides research-fueled security services across all industries. Our cutting-edge cybersecurity teams provide highly specialized technical and programmatic services including full-stack penetration testing, program efficacy assessments, and hardware hacking. IOActive brings a unique attacker's perspective to every engagement to maximize cybersecurity investments and improve the security posture and operational resiliency of our clients. Founded in 1998, IOActive is headquartered in Seattle with global operations, including state of the art hardware hacking labs in Seattle, WA, Madrid, Spain and Cheltenham, UK.
The Seattle Silicon Lab is responsible for performing high-end security evaluations and research for our clients focusing on embedded devices. This includes systems which utilize SoCs/ICs using technology nodes between 180nm and 22nm. These chips may be used in automobiles, payment devices, mobile phones, satcom, entertainment consoles and medical devices. We are seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer who will work with other team members to deliver the highest quality results to IOActive's clients throughout the world.
Who you are:
Our experts operate at the very highest level of expertise regarding Integrated Circuit (IC) deprocessing techniques and high-resolution imaging. This requires expert knowledge and experience in areas such chemical/physical material preparation techniques and electron/ion beam imaging.
What you'll do:
  • The Failure Analysis Engineer will undertake advanced level imaging and security evaluation tasks and duties to meet customer requirements and project deadlines
  • Investigate packaged silicon devices down to transistor level
  • Document observations on physical security countermeasures encountered during deprocessing
  • Develop and optimize sophisticated, state-of-the-art deprocessing and imaging techniques
  • Research evolving deprocessing and imaging techniques, source instrumentation and integrate into an optimized lab workflow
  • Support software development efforts in creating tools to assist in reaching project goal
  • Communicate complex vulnerabilities to both technical and non-technical client staff
  • Assist research on new attack vectors, discover new vulnerabilities, create new exploitation techniques
  • Learn, develop and optimize invasive attack techniques for use in data extraction
  • Support business development efforts through the scoping of engagements

What you bring:
  • Strong technical skills with in-depth fault analysis experience across a wide range of semiconductor and package technology
  • Professional communication skills including advanced report and presentation preparation, review and delivery in a collaborative environment
  • Safety focused mindset to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently
  • Experience coordinating and performing physical delayering and image acquisition utilizing SEM/FIB technology
  • Expertise in advanced EFA principles and tooling such as Emission-based analytical tools, Laser Scanning Microscopy, and imaging tools (3D Xray, CSAM, etc.)
  • Demonstrated background in fault localization (ATE, application board, PEM, DLS, OBIRC, thermal, scan, memory)
  • Experience conducting physical analysis (mechanical, chemical, PFIB), nanoprobing, and analytical techniques (FIB, SEM, EDX) to isolate and characterize defects.
  • Experience with CAD design tools and / or Reverse Engineering Software

What We Offer
A chance to work with an industry leader in cyber security
Access to world-class technical teams and research
A high-energy, collaborative team that values innovation
This is a full time in lab role working with some of the brightest minds in cyber security
Opportunities for travel
Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives, total comp range $100,000 - $150,000 depending on experience
If this sounds like your kind of challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Let's talk!
Why IOActive:
We have over 25 years of experience that's established and stable; yet high-growth with the energy, passion and dynamic work environment of a startup. We are renowned for our innovation and thought leadership within our high-profile, cutting edge space. We're one of "the good guys" doing crazy cool stuff to thwart bad guys in a critically important business, social and political arena. Our work is great fun with great importance. Above all else, we value our people and our customers. Relationships matter.
IOActive is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. IOActive makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.