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Root Cause Analysis Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Failure Analysis Engineer Location: Newark, DE Type: W2 Contract Industry: Medical Devices We are ... Conduct Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, Fault Tree). * Analyze schematics, drawings, logs ...

Root Cause Expert

Greenville, NC

$94K - $121K/yr

The Root Cause Analyst (RCA) is responsible for leading, facilitating and providing subject matter ... Education: * BS/BA in biology, biochemistry, engineering, or other science related field preferred ...

Root Cause Expert

Greenville, NC · On-site

$94K - $121K/yr

The Root Cause Analyst (RCA) is responsible for leading, facilitating and providing subject matter ... Education: * BS/BA in biology, biochemistry, engineering, or other science related field preferred ...

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Root Cause Analysis Engineer information

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How much do root cause analysis engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for root cause analysis engineer in the United States is $55.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Root Cause Analysis Engineer vs Quality Engineer?

AspectRoot Cause Analysis EngineerQuality Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Six Sigma or RCA toolsBachelor's in Engineering or Quality Management, certifications like ASQ CQE or Six Sigma
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial, or process improvement settingsManufacturing, service, or product development environments
Industry UsageFocuses on identifying underlying causes of failures or defectsFocuses on ensuring product/service quality and compliance

While both roles aim to improve processes, the Root Cause Analysis Engineer specializes in diagnosing fundamental issues causing failures, whereas the Quality Engineer concentrates on maintaining overall product quality and compliance. The roles often overlap but differ in primary focus and scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Root Cause Analysis Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Root Cause Analysis Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, a solid engineering background, and experience with problem-solving methodologies like Six Sigma or 8D. Familiarity with technical tools such as statistical analysis software, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and quality management systems is typically required, along with relevant certifications like Six Sigma Green or Black Belt. Effective communication, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration are vital soft skills for conveying findings and driving corrective actions. These abilities ensure accurate diagnosis of issues, effective implementation of solutions, and prevention of recurring problems in complex systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Root Cause Analysis Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Root Cause Analysis Engineers often encounter challenges such as incomplete data, time constraints for investigations, and coordinating input from multiple departments. Addressing these issues requires strong communication skills, a systematic approach to data collection, and the ability to facilitate cross-functional meetings. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and using established RCA tools (like 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams) can help streamline the process and lead to more accurate, actionable conclusions.

What does a Root Cause Analysis Engineer do?

A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Engineer specializes in investigating problems, failures, or defects in products, systems, or processes to identify their underlying causes. By using structured methodologies and analytical tools, they determine why issues occurred and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Their work often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, collecting and analyzing data, and documenting findings to improve overall quality and reliability. Root Cause Analysis Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and IT, ensuring continuous improvement and operational excellence.
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Infographic showing various Root Cause Analysis Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 422 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

First Shift (Days)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.

This position works at the departmental level and is responsible for determining true root cause for select operational issues and implementing effective Corrective Action Preventative Actions (CAPAs). Support Greenville site with robust root cause identification, maintain quality aspects, develop solutions.

What will you do?

  • As a crucial member of the Technical Unit (TU), identify root causes and support the implementation of appropriate countermeasures. Work closely with operations and support teams.

  • Apply the fundamentals of Root Cause Analysis, including 5-Whys, Fishbone/6M, TapRoot, Kepnor-Tregoe, and Comparative Analysis.

  • Provide root cause support for major investigations, including items from Production, Quality Control, Facilities, etc.

  • Facilitate cross-functional teams to evaluate causal factors.

  • Provide written detailed investigations in an appropriate and timely manner.

  • Support the implementation of CAPAs that reduce or eliminate recurrence of issues. Ensure the CAPA addresses true root cause.

  • Work independently, as well as collaborate with TU to get results, meet timelines, and improve processes.

  • Effectively communicate with peers, colleagues, and site leadership regarding the status of root cause findings and recommendations.

  • Provide technical experience and interpretation of data and results.

  • Maintain a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business.

  • Other job duties as assigned.

How will you get here?

Education

  • A BS/BA or equivalent experience in biology, biochemistry, engineering, or other science-related field is preferred, along with RCA leadership experience.

  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred

Experience

  • 1-2 years of experience in the direct utilization of problem-solving tools (RCA tools including 5-Whys, Fishbone/6M, TapRoot, Kepnor-Tregoe, Comparative Analysis, etc.) with demonstrated success.

  • Experience working in a regulated environment, preferably in biologics/pharmaceuticals.

  • Exposure/Experience in Root Cause Analysis and/or LEAN/six sigma experience or PPI tools.

Equivalency

  • Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant work experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Solid technical writing skills required.

  • Solid communication skills.

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Tools.

  • Ability to drive functional, technical, and PPI.

  • Ability to evaluate data and make recommendations based on data.

  • Ability to make recommendations based on trends and trend analysis.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to prioritize effectively to meet timelines.

  • Facilitation skills for groups including staff-level employees.

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our 100,000+ outstanding minds has an unusual story to tell. Join us and contribute to our outstanding mission—enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. Apply today!


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