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Root Cause Analysis Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

Product Quality Engineer (PQE)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Drive root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action (CAPA) across product engineering, manufacturing, reliability engineering, and test engineering teams * Manage failure analysis (FA) requests and ...

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

You will own quality systems and processes, drive root cause analysis and corrective actions, and partner closely with design, manufacturing, supply chain, and customer teams to uphold product ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Create tools that support issue reproduction and root cause analysis. * Drive initiatives that improve platform debuggability and diagnosability. * Partner with development teams to ensure diagnostic ...

Showing results 21-40

Root Cause Analysis information

See California salary details

$13

$41

$107

How much do root cause analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for root cause analysis in California is $41.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.89 and $50.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for a root cause analysis specialist?

A Root Cause Analysis specialist spends their days investigating process failures, customer complaints, or quality issues to uncover the underlying causes. This involves gathering and analyzing data, leading or participating in cross-disciplinary problem-solving teams, and facilitating structured methodologies like 5 Whys or Fishbone analysis. Specialists often document findings, prepare detailed reports, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence. You can also expect regular collaboration with operations, engineering, and management teams, ensuring that solutions are both practical and sustainable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in root cause analysis, and why are they important?

To excel in a Root Cause Analysis role, you need strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and experience in problem-solving methodologies—often supported by a background in engineering, quality assurance, or operations. Familiarity with tools like Fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, Six Sigma, FMEA, and root cause analysis software is typically required, and certifications such as Six Sigma Green Belt can be advantageous. Excellent communication, collaboration, and documentation skills are essential for presenting findings and working with cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for accurately identifying and addressing underlying issues to drive organizational improvement and prevent recurring problems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Root Cause Analysis jobs in California?

The most popular types of Root Cause Analysis jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Root Cause Analysis jobs in California?

For Root Cause Analysis jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Root Cause Analysis jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Root Cause Analysis jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Root Cause Analysis jobs?

Cities in California with the most Root Cause Analysis job openings:

Infographic showing various Root Cause Analysis job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 55% Full Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,806 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


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, or closely related field (or equivalent experience),
    paired with 8+ years of relevant, hands-on industry 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 24, 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.

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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