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Failure Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zipline

Failure Analysis Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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 ...

Skyworks

Failure Analysis Technician

Newbury Park, CA

$33.22 - $58.37/hr

Requisition ID: 77831 Description As a Failure Analysis Engineering Technician, you are responsible for supporting failure analysis engineering activities in the Newbury Park Failure Analysis Lab.

Solidigm

Failure Analysis Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · 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 ...

Power Integrations

Failure Analysis Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$76K - $121K/yr

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

Actalent

Failure Analysis Technician

Carlsbad, CA

$27.79 - $37.02/hr

Job Title: Failure Analysis Technician The Failure Analysis Technician troubleshoots and repairs customer-returned electronic products at the PCB and component level within a manufacturing ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFailure Analyst JobsFailure Analyst Jobs in California

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 are popular job titles related to Failure Analyst jobs in California?

For Failure Analyst jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Failure Analyst jobs near you
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.

Senior Physical Failure Analysis Engineer

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

NVIDIA is the pioneer of GPU-accelerated computing and the engine powering the global AI revolution. We build the full-stack AI infrastructure, advanced microelectronics, and hardware ecosystems that drive everything from massive data center AI factories to autonomous vehicles, robotics, and advanced scientific simulation. Physical Failure Analysis team is relentlessly committed to quality, pushing the boundaries of semiconductor innovation and hardware reliability.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Failure Analysis Engineer to join our world-class Failure Analysis Lab. In this role, you won't just solve problems-you will work at the dynamic intersection of physics, process technology, physical design, and circuit design to investigate complex product failures and drive critical engineering solutions. The Mission: Perform Physical Failure Analysis (PFA) on some of the world's most advanced integrated circuits, deep learning processors, and system architectures, uncovering root causes that directly shape the future of computing. We are looking for an adaptable technical expert capable of translating open-ended challenges into actionable insights. If you excel in fast-paced environments and want to help build the infrastructure defining the modern era, we encourage you to apply.
What You'll Be Doing:
Develop Advanced FA Techniques & Methodologies
  • Pioneer Novel Methods: Design and implement cutting-edge methodologies to drive successful root-cause investigations on leading-edge silicon, advanced heterogeneous packaging technologies, and complex integrated systems.
  • Precision De-processing: Perform mechanical cross-sectioning, parallel de-layering, and advanced chemical/plasma de-processing of integrated circuit (IC) devices across die, package, component, and board levels.
  • Nanoscale Analysis: Apply advanced Focused Ion Beam (FIB) sample preparation and analysis techniques to enable high-resolution electrical and physical diagnostics of IC chips.
  • Innovate Characterization Platforms: Develop novel characterization techniques and specialized analysis platforms tailored for emerging chip structures with advanced silicon architectures and complex packaging schemes.
  • Optimize Workflows: Design and implement robust failure analysis (FA) workflows to improve laboratory efficiency and guarantee accurate, reproducible root-cause determination.

Conduct In-Depth FA Investigations
  • Lead Root-Cause Investigations: Head high-impact failure analysis investigations to isolate the root causes of critical failures affecting product yield, performance, and long-term reliability.
  • Support multi-functional Engineering: Deliver precise physical characterization data to support engineering teams with Design of Experiments (DOE) evaluations, design optimization, process node improvements, and critical customer FA requests.

What We Need to See:
  • Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of semiconductor IC fabrication, advanced packaging/assembly processes, and advanced failure analysis methodologies.
  • Sample Preparation: Proven proficiency in precision IC device sample preparation for targeted defect localization and physical root-cause analysis.
  • Microscopy & Inspection: Hands-on expertise with advanced Optical and Electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), alongside related analytical inspection techniques.
  • System-Level Analysis: Strong working knowledge of physical and electrical failure analysis across die, package, component, and board levels.
  • Education & Experience: A B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field (or equivalent experience), paired with at least 8 years of relevant, hands-on experience.

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most hard-working and dedicated people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our best-in-class engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 144,000 USD - 230,000 USD.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 13, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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