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Semiconductor Failure Analysis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Primary Objective: The Failure Analysis Technician provides support for SkyWater sites by ... Semiconductor industry experience. * Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention ...

... semiconductor, IC, and PCB design Knowledge of semiconductor physics and advanced fabrication ... Failure Analysis for advanced technology nodes Hands on experience with multiple EFA tools and ...

In this role, you will perform failure analysis, characterization and validation of various analog ... semiconductor, IC, and PCB design Knowledge of semiconductor physics and advanced fabrication ...

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Semiconductor Failure Analysis information

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$15

$27

$41

How much do semiconductor failure analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for semiconductor failure analysis in the United States is $27.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is semiconductor failure analysis?

Semiconductor failure analysis is the process of investigating and determining the root causes of defects or malfunctions in semiconductor devices, such as microchips and integrated circuits. This involves various techniques like microscopy, electrical testing, and material analysis to pinpoint where and why a failure has occurred. Failure analysis is crucial in improving product reliability, guiding design improvements, and supporting quality control in semiconductor manufacturing. Professionals in this field work closely with engineers and manufacturers to identify issues, prevent future failures, and enhance overall device performance.

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

To thrive as a Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, materials science, or physics, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with analytical tools like scanning electron microscopes (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) systems, and failure analysis software is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure accurate identification of root causes and help drive improvements in device reliability and manufacturing processes.

What is the difference between Semiconductor Failure Analysis vs Semiconductor Test Engineer?

AspectSemiconductor Failure AnalysisSemiconductor Test Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in failure analysisEngineering degree, certifications in testing and validation
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, cleanrooms, failure analysis labsProduction lines, testing labs, R&D facilities
Industry UsageUsed to identify and troubleshoot device failuresUsed to verify device performance and quality

Semiconductor Failure Analysts focus on diagnosing and troubleshooting device failures using specialized techniques, while Semiconductor Test Engineers develop and execute testing procedures to ensure device quality. Both roles require engineering backgrounds and work closely within the semiconductor industry, but their primary objectives differ: failure analysis aims to identify issues, whereas testing ensures product reliability.

What are some common challenges faced in a Semiconductor Failure Analysis role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Semiconductor Failure Analysis often encounter challenges such as identifying root causes of complex failures, working with highly miniaturized and sensitive devices, and keeping up with evolving semiconductor technologies. Addressing these challenges requires a methodical approach to testing and analysis, strong collaboration with design and manufacturing teams, and ongoing training on the latest analytical techniques and tools. Developing effective communication skills is also crucial, as findings must be clearly reported to both technical and non-technical stakeholders to guide corrective actions.
More about Semiconductor Failure Analysis jobs
What cities are hiring for Semiconductor Failure Analysis jobs? Cities with the most Semiconductor Failure Analysis job openings:
What states have the most Semiconductor Failure Analysis jobs? States with the most job openings for Semiconductor Failure Analysis jobs include:
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Failure Analysis 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 $58,107 per year, or $27.9 per hour.
Failure Analysis Engineer

Failure Analysis Engineer

Wolfspeed, Inc.

Fayetteville, AR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Wolfspeed rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At Wolfspeed, we do amazing things in a human way.
We know that the achievements of our organization are due to the passion, hard work and creativity of our employees. We celebrate different perspectives to foster excellence across our organization, and our goal is to make diversity a foundation of what we do. We are proudly building an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work.
  • Enjoy doing things that people say can't be done? Innovation is at the center of everything we do.
  • Hate red tape? We remove roadblocks instead of creating them.
  • Working parent? We provide childcare assistance and paid parental leave.
  • Student? We offer continuing education assistance.
  • Looking for community? There are many ways to get involved, from Employee Resource Groups to local outreach.

Here's the Gist (1-2 sentences to summarize the role):
Failure analysis laboratory process engineer in Fayetteville, AR. Individual will provide support for customer returns, new product introduction and continual improvement for Wolfspeed SiC-based MOSFETs and Schottky diode die, discretes, and power modules, and customer-built power modules. Perform electrical testing, nondestructive imaging, deprocessing, cross section and fault location to identify root cause of failure and collaborate with teams to drive solutions. Individual will also manage a small team of technicians.
The Day-to-Day (4-5 bullet points about what this person is responsible for):
  • Perform physical failure analysis processes on customer returns, new product introduction, product/process changes, yield enhancement and continual improvement for Wolfspeed SiC-based MOSFETs and Schottky diode die, discretes, and power modules, and customer-built power modules.
  • Hands-on electrical testing, nondestructive imaging (c-mode scanning acoustic microscopy (CSAM)), chemical de-processing, cross section / polishing, fault location (hotspot thermal imaging), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to identify root cause of failure. Partner with Wolfspeed Fayetteville and external failure analysis labs as capability and capacity require.
  • Write summary physical failure analysis summaries for contributing to failure analysis engineers performing root cause investigations, for customer or internal use, that elucidate the root cause of failure and may suggest possible solutions. Collaborate with internal engineering teams to drive improvements.
  • Develop electrical test, chemical de-processing, CSAM cross-section/polishing processes and write controlled document procedures. Support lab chemical hygiene and waste disposal, safety, ESD prevention, 5S, tool ownership, and best practices.
  • Manage lab technicians' day to day activities while managing customer priority requests.
  • Train and work with lab technicians and engineers and collaborate Durham and Fayetteville failure analysis teams.

This Job is Right for You if You Have (Minimum Requirements) (3-5 base requirements to be able to perform the job):
  • 4-year degree or better in physics, chemistry, materials science or engineering (electrical, chemical or materials) or related field
  • Working knowledge of semiconductor process technology and device functionality
  • Great soft skills including technical writing, verbal communication, technical presentations, critical thinking, multi-tasking, flexibility with rapidly changing priorities, collaborating with remote teams, sense of urgency, accountability and ownership
  • Able to work in the lab in close proximity with others and be on your feet for up to 8 hours per day. Comfortable performing chemical, mechanical and high voltage electrical processes.

Preferred experience (I'm not sure if this should go into the req or not?):
  • 2+ years' hands-on experience in electrical component failure analysis including techniques such as CSAM, hotspot, de-processing (chemical, laser and/or plasma), mechanical cross section / polish, SEM and EDX (alternatively, experience with similar processes in wafer fabrication or packaging facility, or for cleaning or etching, may also be beneficial)
  • 2+ years' hands-on experience or at least working knowledge in micro-electronic semiconductor devices and assembly/packaging (discretes and power modules)
  • Chemical handling and general laboratory procedures
  • Hands-on electrical testing of semiconductor device components such as MOSFETs and Schottky diodes; SiC highly preferred
  • Supervisory or project leadership experience.

This role may require additional duties and/or assignments as designated by management.
To put it legally - Wolfspeed is an equal opportunity employer.
We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation and other protected status as required by law.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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