FPGA Failure Analysis Technician

Altera; George Town; On-site; MYR 67,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Altera is seeking an FPGA Failure Analysis Technician to perform FA activities on FPGA device returns, partnering with QA and engineering teams to identify root causes and corrective actions.

The role requires a technical diploma with at least 5 years of semiconductor/FPGA failure analysis experience, strong data collection, testing skills, and teamwork in a fast-paced lab environment in Penang, Malaysia.

Qualifications

• Diploma or higher in Electrical/Electronics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in semiconductor/FPGA failure analysis.
• Strong understanding of device fundamentals and electrical characterization.
• Ability to collect data, troubleshoot, and document findings with minimal supervision.
• Good written and verbal communication for reports.

Responsibilities

• Perform device testing on testers/benches and conduct debug experiments.
• Manage FA case activities from data collection to report support.
• Coordinate with tool vendors for downtime reduction and maintenance.
• Plan daily FA lab operations and ensure equipment readiness.
• Overtime may be required as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Technical Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ATE platforms

IV curve tracers

TDR measurement equipment

Lab testing tools

Job description

About Altera

Altera is a leading FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) company that delivers programmable hardware, software, and development tools to drive innovation from cloud to edge. With over four decades of experience in programmable logic, our broad portfolio includes FPGAs, CPLDs, IP, SmartNICs, IPUs, and System on Modules—supported by industry-leading tools like the Quartus development suite. Recently re-established as an independent business, Altera is focused on accelerating programmable compute in AI, networking, communications, industrial, automotive, aerospace/military, and edge-computing domains. Our mission is to provide leadership programmable solutions that are easy to design and deploy, and our vision is to pioneer innovation that unlocks extraordinary possibilities.

About the Role

We are seeking for an FPGA Failure Analysis Technician who will be responsible for carrying out all technical FA activities in support of FPGA device returns from internal or external customers. You will partner across the Altera FPGA Failure Analysis teams in Product Quality Engineering, and work closely with Product Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Supplier Quality Engineers, Customer Quality Engineers, Lab Technicians, and Applications Engineers to identify issue root causes, preventive and corrective measures to improve product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports hands-on technical work include (not limited to) perform device testing on tester/bench, carry out debug experiments, reball machine operation, IV curve tracing, TDR measurement, FA preliminary preparation, and tool troubleshooting.
• Handles Failure Analysis (FA) case activities end-to-end, including data collection and assisting in report preparation.
• Manages vendor communication for tool issues, parts, and maintenance coordination, reducing downtime and engineer workload.
• Owns daily operations tasks planning in alignment with FA engineers/manager, preventive maintenance planning and ensures lab equipment reliability and uptime.
• Extra-Hours (OT) support may be part of the job as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Technical Diploma in Electrical, Electronics, Semiconductor Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor, FPGA, or IC-level electrical failure analysis.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor device fundamentals, electrical characterization, and component-level testing techniques.
• Ability to perform failure analysis investigations, collect data, troubleshoot issues, and document findings with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to root cause investigation.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present findings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting failure analysis activities for FPGA, SoC, or advanced semiconductor products, preferably Altera FPGA devices.
• Hands-on experience with ATE platforms and debug environments, including ATS07, ATS06, CMT, HDMT, UFP, and bench-level testing.
• Proven hands-on experience operating laboratory equipment such as chip testers, IV curve tracers, C-SAM, TDR, and other diagnostic tools.
• Familiarity with electrical fault isolation techniques, and correlation between electrical and physical findings.
• Experience in laboratory equipment/tester setup, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing and product qualification test methodologies.
• Experience working in a fast-paced product development, validation, or quality engineering environment.

Job Details

• Job Type: Regular
• Shift: Shift 1 (Malaysia)
• Primary Location: Penang 15, Penang, Malaysia

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.

About Altera (continued)

About Altera Altera: Accelerating Innovators Altera provides leadership programmable solutions that are easy-to-use and deploy in applications from cloud to edge, offering limitless AI possibilities. Our end-to-end broad portfolio of products including FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, System on Modules, SmartNICs and IPUs provide the flexibility to accelerate innovation. Altera is helping to shape the future through pioneering innovation that unlocks extraordinary possibilities for everyone on the planet.