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Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Failure Analysis Engineer, you will investigate failures from fielded systems, development testing, life testing, and manufacturing. You will help reproduce failures, isolate electrical faults ...

Failure Analysis Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA Β· On-site

$121K - $194K/yr

This Senior Failure Analysis Engineer will debug Solid State Drive (SSD) failures discovered during internal validation as well as field failures from our customers. They will need to work on variety ...

This Senior Failure Analysis Engineer will debug Solid State Drive (SSD) failures discovered during internal validation as well as field failures from our customers. They will need to work on variety ...

Failure Analysis Engineer

San Jose, CA Β· On-site

$76K - $121K/yr

Description Silicon level Failure Analysis Engineer will perform device level failure analysis to support RMA and customer issues. Responsibilities: β€’ Performing fault isolation and defect analysis ...

Experience with integrated circuit and device failure analysis * Programming skills for automation of bench characterization equipment (VBA, Python, GPIB) * Knowledge and experience characterization ...

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Failure Analysis Engineer information

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$45.5K

$93.2K

$135.5K

How much do failure analysis engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analysis engineer in the United States is $93,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $118,000.00 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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Infographic showing various Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,179 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Failure Analysis Engineer

Durham, NC β€’ On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Failure Analysis Engineer (FAE) to join our team. The successful candidate will work directly with clients to ensure deliverables fall within the applicable scope and budget. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineering Team Member to support the resolution of hardware issues related to our ESSN Server Products portfolio. The role involves close collaboration with customers, as well as internal teams including Foxconn R&D, Product Engineering, and Quality Engineering. This position focuses on identifying elevated factory and field failure symptoms, conducting in-depth circuit failure analysis, and determining root causes, leading to corrective actions that improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Troubleshoots, debugs, and determines root cause at multiple system levels for customer devices.
  • Analyzes circuits and topologies to identify marginal failure root causes.
  • Drives recovery actions and repairs for failing devices.
  • Engineering Investigations: Lead engineering investigations of significant customer field and factory escalations related to hardware issues, ensuring timely resolution.
  • Customer Satisfaction & Quality Improvement: Enhance customer satisfaction and product quality by addressing hardware-related issues promptly and efficiently.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Work directly with design and manufacturing teams to investigate hardware issues down to the component level.
  • Internal Collaboration: Collaborate with multiple internal engineering disciplines (HW, SW, Diags, Quality, Product, Mechanical, Materials, Reliability) to resolve complex hardware issues.
  • Capture Programs Support: Facilitate the execution of special capture programs such as Early Field Capture, Selective Field Capture, ORT, L6, L10, L11 Factory Operations, and RMA.
  • Feedback & Process Improvement: Provide feedback to internal and external teams based on analytical findings to improve process and design methodologies.
  • RMA & Service Support: Assist in communicating best practices for WW RMA & Service Centers to improve product knowledge and streamline operations.
  • Operational Excellence: Promote "best practices" across WW Operational, RMA, and Service Sites, driving efficiencies and quality improvements.
  • Miscellaneous Duties: Perform additional duties as required, based on business needs

Skill/Knowledge Requirements:
  • Engineering Knowledge: Deep understanding of Industry Standard Servers & Storage architecture and peripherals.
  • RMA & Service Manufacturing Expertise: Familiarity with PCA, system, and RMA & service manufacturing environments.
  • Clear Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to isolate and resolve hardware failures, including safely injecting failures during debugging to pinpoint root causes.
  • Linux Knowledge: Working knowledge of Linux commands and structures, including exposure to SEL and IPMI tools.
  • Debugging Tools & Algorithm Development: Proficient in developing and debugging algorithms, creating test tools to assist with failure isolation, and documenting findings for team sharing.
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics, IC design, and fabrication processes.
  • Experience with EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools and layout editing software.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex circuit issues.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in FA, at best with hands-on experience in technique enablement and development of supporting HW for Fault-Isolation and/or vacuum-based microscopic systems (e.g., SEM, DMM).
  • Technical Skills: Proven ability to debug complex hardware issues using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and other test equipment.
  • Server Technology Knowledge: Familiarity with key server technologies such as x86 & ARM multi-core processors, DDR4/5, NAND memory, PCI-e protocols, SAS, SCSI, SATA, FibreChannel, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, NVMe, and SSD technologies.
  • Self-Motivation: Must be a self-driven team player, able to perform in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment with minimal supervision.
  • Development Lifecycle: Familiarity with the full hardware/software development lifecycle, and hardware/firmware/software development and testing methodologies.
  • Collaboration: Proven experience working with internal and external partners.
  • Knowledge of failure analysis techniques and methodologies.

Additional Requirements Experience:
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to perform various physical tasks such as walking, standing, bending, and lifting to 20 lbs. Must also be able to perceive depth, operate motor vehicles, and use equipment related to the job.
  • Work Conditions: The role may require working in environments with machines, electrical energy, and other potentially hazardous conditions. Candidates should be flexible regarding irregular hours and travel by various means of transportation (car, van, bus, and airplane).
  • Tools & Equipment: Must be comfortable working with computers, related equipment, typewriters, calculators, copiers, fax machines, telephones, and automobiles as part of daily responsibilities