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Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Failure Analysis Engineer who loves digging into tough hardware problems, building creative test setups, and turning complex failures into clear technical answers. This is not a ...

Failure Analysis Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We are seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer who will work with other team members to deliver the highest quality results to IOActive's clients throughout the world. Who you are: Our experts operate at ...

Failure Analysis Engineer Join TSMC Arizona, a world-class leader in semiconductor manufacturing, where innovation drives the future. As part of our team, you'll work alongside top talent in a ...

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Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer information

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How much do freelance failure analysis engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance failure analysis engineer in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer vs Failure Analysis Engineer?

AspectFreelance Failure Analysis EngineerFailure Analysis Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, certifications varyEngineering degree, often with specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteEmployed by companies, labs, or manufacturers, primarily on-site
Industry UsageFreelance consulting across multiple industriesIn-house or consulting roles within specific industries
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap, focusing on independent vs. employed rolesStandard role within failure analysis field

The main difference is that a Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer works independently on various projects, often remotely, while a Failure Analysis Engineer is typically employed full-time by a company or lab. Freelancers have more flexibility but less job security, whereas in-house engineers have consistent employment and benefits. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their work environments and employment structures differ significantly.

More about Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Failure Analysis Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.
Failure Analysis Engineer, Microelectronics (Starlink)

Failure Analysis Engineer, Microelectronics (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

FAILURE ANALYSIS ENGINEER, MICROELECTRONICS (STARLINK)

Starlink is SpaceX's ambitious goal to bring high-quality internet to the globe by building a constellation of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) using our Falcon 9 and Starship reusable rockets. We are developing millions of devices for end users to link our customers to our satellites.

As a Failure Analysis Engineer on the Starlink team, you will perform detailed root cause failure analysis on microelectronic components and packaging to support high-volume manufacturing, qualification, and field returns. You will leverage advanced laboratory tools and physics-of-failure techniques to identify failure mechanisms and drive corrective actions that improve the reliability of our satellite constellation and user terminals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Own end-to-end root cause failure analysis investigations on microelectronics failing in manufacturing, test, and field, from initial failure characterization through final corrective action verification
  • Conduct advanced electrical fault isolation and characterization using curve trace, TDR, RF characterization, Lock-in Thermography, OBIRCH, EBIRCH, EBAC, nanoprobing, and related techniques to precisely localize defects in complex devices
  • Perform advanced physical failure analysis using SEM, FIB, EDS, SAM, cross-sectioning, and related techniques to identify failure mechanisms in silicon, packaging, and interconnects
  • Apply physics-of-failure principles and deep knowledge of semiconductor failure modes (electromigration, thermal fatigue, delamination, EOS/ESD, solder joint fatigue, etc.) to determine root causes
  • Drive corrective actions by working directly with silicon design, packaging, and manufacturing teams to implement and validate design or process changes based on FA findings
  • Author detailed technical reports documenting failure modes, root cause conclusions, supporting data, and corrective action effectiveness
  • Develop and improve failure analysis techniques and workflows to support new packaging technologies and advanced materials

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, chemical engineering, or other STEM discipline 
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in microelectronics failure analysis or materials characterization (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's or PhD in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, chemical engineering, or other STEM discipline with a focus on microelectronics or failure analysis
  • Direct experience with failure analysis tools and techniques (SEM, FIB, EDS, cross-sectioning, fault isolation, or equivalent)
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor physics and common microelectronics failure mechanisms (electromigration, thermal fatigue, delamination, solder joint fatigue, electrical overstress/ESD, etc.)
  • Proficiency with advanced FA tools including SEM, FIB, SAM, and EDS
  • Hands-on experience in electrical characterization and fault isolation techniques such as IV curves, RF/VNA measurement, LIT, OBIRCH, EBIRCH, EBAC, nanoprobing, photon emission, or voltage contrast
  • Experience applying JEDEC and AEC reliability test standards and physics-of-failure methodologies to root cause investigations
  • Experience analyzing complex datasets with Python, JMP, or similar tools
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom or ESD-controlled environment when required

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