ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in California

Altera

Product Failure Analysis Engineer

San Jose, CA

$149K - $215K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an experienced semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer responsible for debug and root cause analysis of yield, reliability and customer returns on FPGA's using advanced ...

New

Power Integrations

Failure Analysis Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$76K - $121K/yr

Silicon level Failure Analysis Engineer will perform device level failure analysis to support RMA ... or power semiconductor operational characteristics and the ability to apply fault isolation ...

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 ... or power semiconductor operational characteristics and the ability to apply fault isolation ...

Skyworks

Failure Analysis Technician

Newbury Park, CA · On-site

$33.22 - $58.37/hr

Requisition ID: 77831 Description As a Failure Analysis Engineering Technician, you are responsible ... Previous experience working in a semiconductor failure analysis lab, including performing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSemiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer JobsSemiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in California

Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer information

What is a semiconductor failure analysis engineer?

A Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer identifies and analyzes defects in semiconductor devices to determine root causes of failures. They use techniques such as electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrical testing to diagnose issues. Their work helps improve manufacturing processes, enhance product reliability, and support quality assurance. They collaborate with design, process, and reliability engineers to recommend corrective actions. This role is critical in industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications, where semiconductor performance is essential.

What are common daily responsibilities for a semiconductor failure analysis engineer?

A Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer typically investigates device failures using advanced analytical techniques such as microscopy, electrical testing, and thermal analysis. Daily tasks often include collaborating with design, manufacturing, and reliability teams, preparing detailed reports on root cause findings, and recommending corrective actions. The role involves hands-on laboratory work, data interpretation, and sometimes fielding urgent analyses to support production timelines. This dynamic environment offers variety and opportunities to directly influence improvements in product quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a semiconductor failure analysis engineer?

To thrive as a Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer, you need a strong foundation in electrical engineering, materials science, and semiconductor device physics, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or advanced degree. Familiarity with tools such as Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems, and failure analysis software, as well as certifications like IPC-A-610, are highly advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work efficiently within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are vital for identifying, diagnosing, and resolving complex device failures to support product reliability and innovation.

What are popular job titles related to Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in California?

For Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer job openings:

Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Product Failure Analysis Engineer

San Jose, CA

Altera
1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Alteraexternal

$149K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Job Details:Job Description:

About Altera

At Altera, our independence as the world's largest pureplay FPGA solutions provider gives us the focus, speed, and agility to innovate without compromise. With more than four decades of industryleading FPGA expertise, our singular mission is to deliver the programmable technologies that help customers differentiate, innovate, and scale across rapidly evolving markets like AI, cloud, networking, and edge. As an independent company, we move faster, invest deeper, and partner more closely-empowering our teams to drive breakthrough innovation and shape the future of the FPGA industry.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer responsible for debug and root cause analysis of yield, reliability and customer returns on FPGA's using advanced foundry process technologies. This role requires partnering with IC and Package design, Foundry Engineering, Product and manufacturing Engineering, and Reliability teams for driving systematic fault isolation and debug.

In this role, focus will be on non-destructive electrical fault isolation by debugging electrical test responses and circuit/layout analysis. Experience in using fault isolation using Photo Emission/Infrared microscopy (EMMI), Laser Voltage Probing (LVP) and Optical Beam Induced Resistance Change (OBIRCH) and other fault isolation tools is required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with Product/Yield/Reliability Engineers to drive electrical verification, and fault isolation during product development, yield improvement and reliability risk assessments

  • Support debug and fault isolation on customer returns

  • Define, execute and interpret fault isolation methods as appropriate to non-destructively isolate a failure using commercial testers and fault isolation tools

  • Proficient in independently using Emission microscopes, Laser Voltage Probing and OBIRCH tools

  • Experienced with layout, schematic and design analysis tools

  • Collaborate with physical failure analysis team on defect modes

Salary Range

The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based ona number offactors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences,trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

$149,100 - $215,925USD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position.Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.

#LI-MD1

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Eng, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or a related field

  • 8+ years of experience in semiconductor failure analysis

  • 8+ years of experience with Layout & Design tools (Virtuoso, Avalon, SysNav, etc)

  • 8+ years of experience with FA tools such as Laser Voltage Probing (LVP), Photo Emission EMMI, Optical Beam Induced Resistance Change (OBIRCH)

  • 8+ years of experience with DFT and logic fault localization knowledge.

  • 8+ years of experience driving investigations to root-cause and to drive yield/reliability improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in semiconductor failure analysis

  • Understanding of FPGA architecture

  • Understanding design debug features (DFT)

  • Experience with using Teradyne Ultraflex tester

  • Semiconductor packaging failure analysis.

Job Type: RegularShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location:San Jose, California, United StatesAdditional Locations:Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Apply