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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 ...

Experience operating failure analysis equipment for performing Electrical Fault Isolation (EFI) and using Automated Test Equipment (ATE) with data from Design for Test (DFT) diagnosis tools.

Failure Analysis Analyst

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Role Summary The Failure Analysis (FA) Analyst performs hands-on laboratory work to support investigations into material, device, and component failures. This role focuses on precise sample ...

Failure Analysis Technician

Newbury Park, CA · On-site

$33.22 - $58.37/hr

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.

Perform hands-on failure analysis of electronic, semiconductor, and/or advanced technology devices and assemblies. * Plan investigations by selecting appropriate analytical techniques and sequencing ...

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Failure Analyst information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$70.6K

$121.4K

How much do failure analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Failure Analyst jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Failure Analyst jobs in California are:

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 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,575 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Advanced Failure Analyst Engineer

Torrance, CA • On-site

Honeywell International, Inc.
Furniture Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 hours ago


Honeywell rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


As an Advanced Mechanical Design Engineer for Component Investigation, you will [TM1] specialize in conducting investigations on Heat exchangers and other Environmental Control Systems (ECS) related aerospace metallic hardware that no longer perform as expected, and play a critical role in diagnosing and understanding the cause of failures in various aerospace parts. Your expertise will serve as the backbone for addressing complex business challenges connected to component performance and reliability issues.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct in-depth investigations into the causes of component failures, utilizing advanced engineering principles and methodologies with a team approach.
  • Perform laboratory work as needed for the investigation including part sectioning, sample preparation, photography, microscopy, and SEM/EDS evaluation.
  • Establish the direct cause of the failed components and proactively collaborate with the engineering team to determine root cause and corrective actions.
  • Master the connection between metallurgy and part performance to analyze material behaviors under operational conditions.
  • Use knowledge of material and process failure phenomena to conclude the direct cause of component failure.
  • Leverage detailed knowledge of product functionality to articulate component failure mechanisms comprehensively.
  • Collaboratively engage with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to proactively solve problems and improve engineering processes.
  • Adhere to standardized Material Engineering Component Investigation (MatEng CI) processes and expectations to ensure consistency and accuracy in investigations.
  • Maintain laboratory facility, equipment, and consumables for metallography and component investigation, including capital planning to meet current and future needs

Report to: Mechanical Design Engineering Manager
Location: Torrance, CA
Work Schedule: M-F (hybrid after 90 days)
Qualifications
MUST HAVE:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a technical discipline such as the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in Aerospace Engineering performing problem solving investigations which require hands-on laboratory analysis techniques to expose fractures, such as metallographic preparation, metallurgical evaluation, SEM/EDS, and NDT
  • Deep understanding and working knowledge of various corrosion mechanisms, specific to aerospace components and sub-systems and fracture mechanisms

WE VALUE:
  • Bachelor or Master degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • Extensive experience in metallic component failure analysis, metallurgy, and materials processing disciplines such as heat treatment, thermomechanical processing, and fusion welding
  • Experience performing various mechanical testing methods such as hardness and tensile testing
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a collaborative mindset and proactive approach.
  • Familiarity with standardized engineering investigation processes and best practices.
  • Exceptional communication and documentation skills to provide clear explanations and solutions.
  • Experience resolving production process problems in aerospace metals products
  • Experience with aerospace design requirements definition (drawings, specs) where strong knowledge of materials and processes used in aerospace is required
  • Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory

The annual base salary range for this position is $122,000 - $152, 000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.
U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT
Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. Person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status or have the ability to obtain an export authorization.
BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR HONEYWELL AEROSPACE
Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program and educational assistance
• Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time
Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com/
ABOUT HONEYWELL AEROSPACE
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space. We operate through three business areas:
• Electronic Solutions develops the avionics, navigation systems, sensors and electromagnetic defense technology on board 90% of the world's aircraft
• Engines & Power Systems provides the propulsion, auxiliary power and electrical systems that keep those aircraft flying
• Control Systems supplies the thermal and motion control systems that support takeoff, landing and the safety of everyone on board
With approximately 58,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, we are also advancing systems for autonomous and supersonic platforms - bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com
The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. August 13, 2026.

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About Honeywell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Honeywell is charging into the Industrial IoT revolution with the establishment of Honeywell Connected Enterprise (HCE), building on our heritage of invention and deep, on-the-ground industry expertise. HCE is the leading industrial disruptor, building and connecting software solutions to streamline and centralize the assets, people and processes that help our customers make smarter, more accurate business decisions. Moving at the speed of software, we are creating, innovating and delivering solutions fast, challenging the way things have always been done, piloting new ways for all of us to work, and expecting our successes to set new standards for our customers and for Honeywell. The Chief Architect for Honeywell Connected Enterprise will lead a team of architects and system engineers responsible for the design of applications and infrastructure that deliver high value outcomes for customers in industrial, buildings, distribution centers, and aerospace vertical markets. The Chief Architect will work directly with leadership, development teams, and offering management to design well integrated solutions that utilize software platforming to encourage reuse and speed to market.

Industry

Furniture manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1906