Failure Analysis Engineer

Employee Magnets; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Employee Magnets in Fort Worth, Texas is seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer to investigate and analyze failures in electronic assemblies used in high-performance computing and AI-related hardware. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 3–5 years of experience in failure analysis or reliability engineering. Proficiency with diagnostic equipment like oscilloscopes and X-rays, along with strong analytical and communication skills, is essential. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance product reliability and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in failure analysis or reliability engineering within electronics.
• Experience with AI server systems, GPU boards, or data center hardware is a plus.
• Proficiency with various diagnostic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical, mechanical, and thermal failure analysis on defective units.
• Maintain detailed FA reports and present analysis summaries.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to drive corrective actions.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Technical Expertise

Collaboration

Communication

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree or equivalent experience in Reliability Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscope

X-ray

SEM

Data analysis tools (Python, JMP, Minitab, Excel)

Job description

The Failure Analysis Engineer (FAE) is responsible for investigating, analyzing, and identifying root causes of failures in electronic assemblies, systems, and components used in high-performance computing, server, and AI-related hardware products. This role supports continuous improvement and product reliability initiatives through data-driven analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and corrective action implementation. The FAE will leverage advanced diagnostic tools and methods to enhance product quality, manufacturing yields, and customer satisfaction

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May oversee FA Technicians and provide technical guidance and training.
• Coordinates project assignments and ensures timely completion of analysis reports.

Key Responsibilities

Failure Analysis and Root Cause Investigation

• Perform electrical, mechanical, and thermal failure analysis on defective units from production, field returns (RMA), and reliability testing.
• Utilize analytical tools such as oscilloscopes, X-ray, SEM/EDS, decapsulation, and cross-sectioning for detailed investigation.
• Identify failure modes, document analysis results, and establish root cause and contributing factors.
• Correlate failures with design, process, and material data to support engineering improvements.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Maintain detailed FA reports, including findings, corrective actions, and risk assessments.
• Present analysis summaries to internal engineering, manufacturing, and customer teams.
• Compile trend data on recurring failure modes and propose mitigation actions.
• Track metrics on failure rates, mean time between failure (MTBF), and reliability indicators.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with manufacturing, R&D, and quality engineering teams to drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Support supplier quality teams in component failure validation and incoming inspection processes.
• Coordinate with customer support and warranty analysis teams on field failure investigations.

Process and Product Improvement

• Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DfR) reviews.
• Recommend design or process modifications to reduce defect rates and improve overall product robustness.
• Contribute to process control documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all FA activities comply with ESD, ISO, and environmental standards (e.g., RoHS, REACH).
• Maintain lab equipment calibration and safe operating practices.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required.
• Masters degree or equivalent experience in Reliability Engineering, Failure Analysis, or Quality Engineering preferred.

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in failure analysis or reliability engineering within electronics, semiconductor, or high-tech manufacturing industries.
• Experience with AI server systems, GPU boards, or data center hardware is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with diagnostic equipment (oscilloscope, DMM, logic analyzer, X-ray, SEM, FIB, etc.)
• Knowledge of SMT manufacturing, solder joint analysis, and IPC standards.
• Familiarity with reliability testing (HALT, HASS, thermal cycling, vibration testing).
• Experience with data analysis tools (Python, JMP, Minitab, Excel).
• Ability to interpret schematics, layout drawings, and bill of materials (BOM).

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to dissect complex problems and identify root causes.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of electrical/electronic systems, PCB design, and semiconductor behavior.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical challenges.
• Communication: Ability to write clear, data-supported reports and present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Continuous Improvement: Passion for enhancing product reliability and manufacturing efficiency

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Failure Analysis Turnaround Time (TAT)
• Root Cause Accuracy and Verification Rate
• Corrective Action Implementation Effectiveness
• Reduction in Recurrence Rate of Failures
• Customer Satisfaction (internal/external) with FA deliverables

Working Conditions

• Exposure to electronics lab environments (ESD-safe areas, microscopes, soldering stations).
• Occasional travel to suppliers, customer sites, or corporate headquarters (domestic/international).
• Normal working hours with flexibility to support urgent FA cases and project deadlines.