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Failure Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a detail-oriented, quality-focused Failure Analysis Technician with 3-5 years of experience in triaging and identifying the root causes of consumer electronics failures. The ideal ...

Failure Analysis Engineer

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$147K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform detailed failure analysis on returned products, manufacturing defects, field failures, and reliability test failures. * Investigate failures related to: * Printed Circuit Boards (PCB/PCBA)

Failure Analysis Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Summary We are seeking a highly analytical Failure Analysis Engineer to support the investigation of hardware failures in rack systems, server platforms, and data center infrastructure ...

Failure Analysis Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Summary We are seeking a highly analytical Failure Analysis Engineer to support the investigation of hardware failures in rack systems, server platforms, and data center infrastructure ...

Principal Failure Analysis Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As Principal FA Lead, you will be managing Failure Analysis activities spanning across multiple hard disk drives labs. You will collaborate with worldwide FA teams and review failure analysis reports ...

Principal Failure Analysis Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As Principal FA Lead, you will be managing Failure Analysis activities spanning across multiple hard disk drives labs. You will collaborate with worldwide FA teams and review failure analysis reports ...

Failure Analysis Technician

Newbury Park, CA ยท On-site

$33.22 - $58.37/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Failure Analysis Technician Posting Start Date: 6/23/26 Job Location(s): Newbury Park If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the world of technology, then look no further.

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Showing results 1-20

Failure Analyst information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$70.6K

$121.4K

How much do failure analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for failure analyst in California is $70,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges failure analysts face when investigating complex issues, and how can they overcome them?

Failure Analysts often encounter challenges such as incomplete data, ambiguous failure modes, or time constraints when diagnosing issues in products or systems. To overcome these, they typically rely on structured root cause analysis methodologies, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (like engineering and manufacturing), and leverage advanced analytical tools. Maintaining clear documentation and open communication channels is also essential to ensure accurate findings and effective resolution of problems.

What is the difference between Failure Analyst vs Quality Control Technician?

AspectFailure AnalystQuality Control Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in materials science, engineering, or related field; certifications like ASQ CQE are commonOften requires high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like Six Sigma or quality inspection training are beneficial
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, or R&D settings focusing on failure investigationManufacturing floors, inspection stations, or quality assurance departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries to analyze product failuresCommon in manufacturing, assembly lines, and quality assurance departments across various industries

Failure Analysts focus on investigating and diagnosing product failures to determine root causes, often requiring technical degrees and specialized certifications. Quality Control Technicians primarily perform inspections and testing to ensure products meet quality standards, usually with less formal education. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is a failure analyst?

Failure Analysts are professionals who investigate and determine the causes of failures in products, components, or systems. They use various analytical techniques, such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing, to examine failed materials and identify the root cause of the failure. Their findings help manufacturers improve product reliability, prevent future issues, and enhance safety standards. Failure Analysts often work in industries like electronics, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a failure analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Failure Analyst, you need a solid background in materials science or engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with failure analysis methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and root cause analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are vital to accurately identify causes of failure, recommend preventative actions, and clearly convey findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What cities in California are hiring for Failure Analyst jobs?

Cities in California with the most Failure Analyst job openings:

Infographic showing various Failure Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,575 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Failure Analysis Engineer

Rootshell Enterprise Technologies, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Hello All,
Greetings from Rootshell Inc.
Rootshell Enterprise Technologies Inc. is a recognized provider of professional IT Consulting services in the US. We are actively seeking Failure Analysis Engineer for one of our client, Please share your resume with current location & full contact info
Title:Failure Analysis Engineer
Location:Santa Clara, CA(onsite)
Job Description:
Drive returned product Failure Analysis, characterizing failures, and escalating issues and trends to the Hardware Quality Engineering team
Resolve escalated RMA's by determining the hardware root cause of the failure issue.
Track and report on RMA failure trends by product and cause to the Tech Op's team.
Track the progress of all in-progress RMA's requiring FA and prioritizing accordingly.
Monitor process and product corrective actions to ensure changes were in fact effective in improving the product.
Maintain accurate data entry into SAP and Salesforce database tools.
Thanks & Regards
Mohd Sayeed | Senior Recruiter
Rootshell Enterprise Technologies Inc.
sayeed@rootshellinc.com