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Failure Analysis Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Reliability Engineer

Marlborough, MA

$106.30K - $133.80K/yr

This role focuses on reliability modeling, lifetime testing, failure analysis, and continuous improvement of laser modules, nonlinear conversion stages, optical components, electronics, and packaging.

Reliability Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$106.30K - $133.80K/yr

This role focuses on reliability modeling, lifetime testing, failure analysis, and continuous improvement of laser modules, nonlinear conversion stages, optical components, electronics, and packaging.

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Failure Analysis information

See Massachusetts salary details

$16

$30

$45

How much do failure analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for failure analysis in Massachusetts is $30.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $32.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, engineering, or physics, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with laboratory tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and relevant software for data analysis is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for documenting findings and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure accurate root-cause identification and effective solutions, which are vital for improving product reliability and reducing costly defects.

What are some common challenges faced in a Failure Analysis role and how are they addressed?

Professionals in Failure Analysis often encounter challenges such as isolating the root cause of complex failures, working with incomplete data, and meeting tight deadlines for critical product investigations. These challenges are typically addressed through a systematic approach—using advanced analytical tools, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like engineering and quality assurance, and maintaining clear documentation. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest testing methodologies also help in effectively overcoming obstacles in this dynamic field.

What is failure analysis?

Failure analysis is the process of investigating why a component, system, or material has failed in service or during testing. The goal is to determine the root cause of the failure, which can involve examining physical evidence, collecting data, and performing laboratory tests such as microscopy or chemical analysis. This information helps organizations prevent future failures, improve product design, and ensure safety and reliability. Failure analysis is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between Failure Analysis vs Materials Engineer?

AspectFailure AnalysisMaterials Engineer
Primary FocusInvestigating and diagnosing product failures to determine root causesDesigning, developing, and testing materials for product performance
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, failure investigation sitesResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departments
CertificationsOften requires certifications like ASQ Certified Failure AnalystTypically requires materials science degrees, possibly professional engineering licenses

Failure Analysis specialists focus on diagnosing why products fail, often working in labs or manufacturing settings. Materials Engineers design and develop materials to improve product performance. While both roles require technical knowledge of materials, Failure Analysis emphasizes troubleshooting and root cause analysis, whereas Materials Engineering centers on material development and testing.

What job categories do people searching Failure Analysis jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Failure Analysis jobs in Massachusetts are:
Infographic showing various Failure Analysis job openings in Massachusetts as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 41% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,460 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Associate Failure Analysis Engineer

Associate Failure Analysis Engineer

Apex Systems

Acton, MA

$51 - $52/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job#: 3032936
Job Description:
Job DescriptionAssociate Failure Analysis Engineer
Location: Acton, Massachusetts (Onsite)
Employment Type: Contract
Role Overview
The Associate Failure Analysis Engineer plays an integral role in the Quality Department as a hands-on engineering role conducting post-market investigations of FDA-approved medical devices. The position requires organization skills, attention to detail, the ability to work in cross-functional teams, and a drive to accomplish departmental and company goals.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform moderately complex tasks to ensure compliance with quality standards.
  • Partner with quality assurance engineers and other team members to ensure effective inspection and testing procedures are implemented and maintained.
  • Generate, review and maintain Quality records in support of the Quality System, e.g., training, internal audits, NCR, and CAPA.
  • Perform product testing and failure analysis.
  • Review Lot Acceptance records and DHRs, create trend charts.
  • Perform investigation triage and deep dive investigations to develop a hypothesis for failure.
  • Collect and log quality data and trend results.
  • Provide accountability for quality investigation and root cause analysis.
  • Assist in gathering information during FDA and ISO 13485 inspections.
  • Evaluate process flow by applying Lean Six Sigma methodology to streamline.
  • Troubleshoot new failure modes.
  • Evaluate process and engineering controls to improve safety and efficiency.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in an engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Computer proficiency in MS office (specifically Excel).
  • Electrical and mechanical background is preferred.
  • Experience creating and analyzing charts in MS Excel is a plus.
  • Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean, SPC, ASQ and/or ISO process controls is a plus.
  • Prior experience working in a regulated industry (medical device) and/or experience working in a bio-hazard/lab environment is preferred.
  • Preferred 2 years in a Quality-related function, working with QSR and/or ISO 13485.
  • Effective verbal and technical writing skills.
  • Excels at generating and maintaining organized and accurate records.
Work Environment
  • Sitting 70%, Standing 30%
  • Frequent lifting under 5lbs
  • Occasional (less than 5% of time) handling (push/pull) up to 50lbs
  • Ability to operate basic hand tools

Compensation & Benefits
The pay range for this position is between $51.00 and $52.00 per hour. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and experience. Apex Systems offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and 401K plan. Our program provides employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. Available paid sick leave and other paid time off may vary by client location and applicable state law.
This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at or .
Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.