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Sr Failure Analysis Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wing

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$126K - $164K/yr

Wing is looking for a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer to join our HW Reliability & Failure Analysis team. This role is onsite based in Palo Alto, CA . The position seeks highly motivated individuals ...

New

Jj

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

You: As the Senior Failure Analysis Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing the reliability of the OTTAVA surgical robotic platform by leading the Hardware Team's Failure Analysis (FA ...

Wing

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$192K - $204K/yr

As a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer, you will be a key player in ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of our aircraft throughout the lifecycle-from prototype development to real-world ...

New

Penguin Solutions

Sr. Failure Analysis Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer At Penguin Solutions (Nasdaq: PENG) - The AI Factory Platform Company - we're building a team of innovators who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and the ...

Nvidia

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a software-focused Senior Failure Analysis Engineer who can blend deep development with production support ownership. This hybrid role sits at the intersection of software ...

Nvidia

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a software-focused Senior Failure Analysis Engineer who can blend deep development with production support ownership. This hybrid role sits at the intersection of software ...

Coherent

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Propose proper Failure Analysis techniques for finding a certain failure mode * Track and document ... Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a ...

New

Nvidia

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

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 ...

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Sr Failure Analysis Engineer information

What does a Sr Failure Analysis Engineer do?

A Sr Failure Analysis Engineer investigates and determines the root causes of product or component failures in manufacturing or field environments. They use various analytical tools and techniques, such as microscopy, electrical testing, and material analysis, to examine failed products and recommend corrective actions. Their work helps improve product reliability, prevent recurring issues, and support quality assurance efforts. They also prepare detailed reports and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by a Sr Failure Analysis Engineer when working with cross-functional teams?

A Sr Failure Analysis Engineer often collaborates with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to identify the root causes of product failures. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex technical findings to non-engineering stakeholders and ensuring recommendations are clearly understood and actionable. Additionally, balancing multiple urgent failure investigations while maintaining detailed documentation and meeting tight deadlines can be demanding. Building strong cross-functional relationships and proactively sharing insights helps facilitate smoother collaboration and more successful problem resolution.

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

To thrive as a Sr Failure Analysis Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, electronics, and failure analysis methodologies, usually supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Expertise with analytical tools such as SEM, TEM, FIB, and industry-standard failure analysis software is typically required, along with knowledge of quality standards like Six Sigma or IPC. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication are key soft skills for effectively diagnosing issues and presenting findings to cross-functional teams. These competencies are vital for accurately identifying root causes, preventing future failures, and driving continuous product improvement.

What is the difference between Sr Failure Analysis Engineer vs Failure Analysis Engineer?

AspectSr Failure Analysis EngineerFailure Analysis Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like ASQ FAI or relatedBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, electronics, aerospace, or automotive industriesSame industries, often in R&D or quality departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, tech firms, manufacturing plantsCommon in similar settings, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Sr Failure Analysis Engineer and a Failure Analysis Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. The senior role typically involves more complex analysis, mentorship, and project leadership, while the standard role focuses on executing failure investigations under supervision. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior position indicates a higher level of expertise and accountability.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sr Failure Analysis Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Failure Analysis Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 20% Temporary, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Wing
See more jobs at Wingexternal

$126K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About the Role:

Wing is looking for a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer to join our HW Reliability & Failure Analysis team. This role is onsite based in Palo Alto, CA. The position seeks highly motivated individuals who enjoy working in a highly dynamic team environment.  As a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer, you will be a key player in ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of our aircraft throughout the lifecycle-from prototype development to real-world fleet operations. You will lead investigations into electrical and electronic failures across critical subsystems such as BMS, motors, ESCs, sensors, and control electronics, helping our teams identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and improve design for maximum reliability. Your work will play a critical role in ensuring our aircraft deliver small packages safely, reliably, and on time, helping us provide a seamless experience for our customers every day.

What You'll Do: 

  • Perform failure analysis investigations on mechanical, electrical, and material, across components, subsystems, and complete aircraft.
  • Perform in-depth failure analysis on both electrical (e.g., power distribution, connectors, wiring harnesses, motors) and electronics (e.g., PCBAs, ICs, sensors, communication circuits) to identify root causes of failures across component, module, and system levels.
  • Troubleshoot failures using schematics, circuit tracing, fault isolation techniques, and Design of Experiments.
  • Apply advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM/EDS, X-ray, CT scan, TDR, OBIRCH, FTIR, FIB, cross-sectioning) to uncover complex failure modes.
  • Proficient with standard electrical bench equipment: voltage sources, current loads, source meters, and oscilloscopes, curve tracer, thermal camera, etc.
  • Translate physical failure evidence into actionable root-cause conclusions that drive design, process, and supplier improvements.
  • Provide technical guidance on failure risks in ESCs, BMS, avionics systems, and sensors critical to aircraft performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, reliability, manufacturing, and suppliers) to drive corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
  • Provide comprehensive technical reports to internal stakeholders on findings from subsystem & component failure investigations.
  • Lead cross-functional investigations and prepare 8D reports.
  • Establish, standardize, and continuously improve failure analysis processes to ensure consistency, efficiency, and high-quality root cause investigations across all hardware platforms.
  • Maintain a failure database with detailed findings, images, and conclusions.

What You'll Need: 

  • 8+ years in failure analysis, senior-level experience preferred.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, or related field. 
  • Proficient in 8D problem-solving methodology.
  • Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
  • Hands-on experience with electrical FA tools, non destructive, and destructive FA methods (oscilloscopes, curve tracers, TDR, SEM/EDX, FTIR, CT Scan, etc.).
  • Preferred hands-on failure analysis experience with key aircraft HW subsystems/components including, BMS, ESC, Avionics, Servo, and sensors.
  • Experience reviewing PCB layouts and schematics.
  • Experience with PCB/PCBA assembly and SMT processes, including identifying failures related to assembly or soldering defects.
  • Experienced in working with external vendors or labs.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills.

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