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Root Cause Analysis Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Failure Analysis Engineer Department: GL6 Repair & Rework Employment Type: Full Time Location: SMC ... Interface with customers and internal cross-functional teams to root cause hardware issues to the ...

Interfaces and confers with scientific, engineering and technical personnel to resolve testing and ... Root cause analysis, component-level troubleshooting, and reliability improvement. * Experienced in ...

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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 Jun 22, 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.
More about Root Cause Analysis Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Root Cause Analysis Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Root Cause Analysis Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Root Cause Analysis Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Root Cause Analysis Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Root Cause Analysis Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.
Failure Analysis Engineer, Microelectronics (Starlink)

Failure Analysis Engineer, Microelectronics (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Other

Posted 12 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
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

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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