Failure Analysis Manager

GMP TECHNOLOGIES (S) PTE LTD; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology company in Singapore is seeking an experienced leader in the HDD industry to manage a team of FA engineers. The role focuses on overseeing lab operations, conducting root cause investigations, and leveraging advanced diagnostics tools. Ideal candidates possess a Master’s or Ph.D. and have extensive experience in leadership roles, particularly in media manufacturing. This position involves working cross-functionally and translating technical findings into actionable plans. Interested candidates can apply via www.gmprecruit.com.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years in the HDD industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership position.
• Expert-level knowledge of analytical tools.
• Solid understanding of media manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a specialized team of FA engineers.
• Lead deep-dive investigations into media defects.
• Oversee the use of high-end analytical tools.

Skills

8D methodology

FMEA

Statistical analysis

Defect mapping

Education

Masters or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Python

SEM

FIB

AFM

XPS

Optical Surface Profilometry

Job description

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a specialized team of FA engineers; oversee lab operations, including equipment maintenance and safety protocols.
• Root Cause Investigation: Lead deep-dive investigations into media defects such as protrusions, pits, scratches, lubricant migration, and corrosion including their impact on drive-level reliability.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Oversee the use of high-end analytical tools to characterize defects at the atomic and magnetic levels.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Partner with Media Process Development teams to correlate FA findings with process variables. Also act as technical bridge between Media teams and HDD Integration/Customer Quality teams.
• Strategic Reporting: Translate complex microscopic and chemical data into actionable executive summaries to drive both media and HDD yield improvement and product roadmaps.

Requirements

• Masters or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 8-10 years in the HDD industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in 8D, FMEA, and root cause analysis.
• Experience in JMP, Minitab, or Python for statistical analysis and defect mapping.
• Solid understanding of media manufacturing processes, thin-film deposition (sputtering), carbon overcoats, lubricant chemistry, and substrate topography.
• Expert-level knowledge of analytical tools such as SEM/EDX, FIB, AFM, XPS, Optical Surface Profilometry (OSA Candela, Zygo, etc.).
• Understanding of HDD Channel Physics, Servo Systems, Head-Disk Interface (HDI), magnetic recording physics (PMR/HAMR), and the characteristics of glass and aluminum substrates.

To apply, please visit www.gmprecruit.com

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Dianna at [e-mail].

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

GMP Technologies (S) Pte Ltd | EA License: 11C3793 | EA Personnel: Dianna | Registration No: R1327268