Failure Analysis Engineer

Tower Semiconductor; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tower Semiconductor is seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer to join our San Antonio manufacturing site. The role focuses on wafer- and die-level physical failure analysis across multiple technologies, applying advanced techniques to isolate failures and determine root causes.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with electron microscopy (TEM, SEM, FIB) and strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in engineering or science and 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in semiconductor failure analysis is a plus.
• Familiarity with electron microscopy techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform wafer and die level physical failure analysis across multiple semiconductor technologies, isolating failures and determining root causes.
• Prepare samples using wafer cleaving, cross-sectioning, polishing, wet etching and optical microscopy inspection.
• Characterize defects with SEM, FIB, TEM/STEM and EDX.
• Analyze data, document findings, and prepare technical reports communicating procedures and failure mechanisms clearly.
• Collaborate with process, yield, integration and equipment teams to resolve issues and improve quality.
• Maintain safety and lab practices, ensure proper equipment handling, and contribute to continuous improvement of workflows.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Failure analysis

Data interpretation

Documentation

Education

B.S. degree or M.S degree

Tools

TEM

SEM

FIB

EDX

Job description

About Tower Semiconductor

Looking for a career path in the high-tech industry? Become part of a team focused on delivering the most exciting semiconductor technology in the world! If you enjoy working with others in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and are looking for an opportunity to grow your career in this exciting industry, then Tower Semiconductor is the place to be!

Tower Semiconductor, the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for analog integrated circuits to more than 300 customers worldwide across growing markets such as communications, mobile, infrastructure, consumer, industrial, automotive, medical, and aerospace and defense, among others.

Join Tower and become part of a dynamic organization with exceptionally talented and dedicated team members who work collaboratively to provide best-in-class technological solutions to our clients.

Job Description

Tower Semiconductor is seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer to join our growing manufacturing site in San Antonio. This is a permanent, externally posted position.

In this role, you will perform wafer- and die-level physical failure analysis across multiple semiconductor technologies, applying advanced analytical techniques to isolate failures, characterize defects, and determine root causes. Our San Antonio fab delivers specialty electronic and photonics devices for a wide range of applications, with a strong commitment to high quality, low cost, and efficient cycle times.

The ideal candidate will bring excellent analytical and communication skills, along with hands‑on training and experience in electron microscopy techniques such as TEM, SEM, and FIB. Prior experience in semiconductor failure analysis is a plus.

This Job Is For You

• Perform wafer and die level physical failure analysis across multiple semiconductor technologies, utilizing advanced analytical techniques to isolate failures, characterize defects, and determine root-causes.
• Perform sample preparation methodologies, including wafer cleaving, cross‑sectioning, mechanical polishing, wet chemical etching, and optical microscopy inspection.
• Conduct structural, material, and defect characterization using SEM, FIB, TEM/STEM, and EDX.
• Analyze experimental data, document findings, and prepare comprehensive technical reports that clearly communicate experimental procedures and failure mechanisms.
• Collaborate with process, yield, integration, and equipment engineering teams to resolve device and process‑related issues and improve product quality.
• Maintain compliance with safety procedures and laboratory practices, ensure proper equipment handling, and contribute to continuous improvement of lab workflows, documentation, and overall efficiency.

Job Requirements

Must Have:

• B.S. degree or M.S degree
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in an engineering or scientific discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with semiconductor device physics and device architecture is a plus.
• Highly disciplined and organized, with strong multitasking abilities and the capacity to effectively manage multiple activities simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of electron microscopy principles, analytical techniques, and related equipment.
• Hands‑on training and experience in optical & electron‑microscopy techniques.

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