Failure Analysis Engineer

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health plans

401(k) employer matching

Generous PTO policy

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorships

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company is seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer in Sugar Land, Texas. The ideal candidate will conduct internal failure analysis on semiconductor optical laser devices and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Required qualifications include a Master’s or Ph.D. in relevant fields and hands-on experience with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB). The position offers competitive health plans, PTO, a relocation package, and is on-site.

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of hands-on experience in a lab or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a clean room environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal failure analysis including device decap and inspections.
• Perform root cause analysis on semiconductor devices.
• Document findings and present data to teams.
• Maintain TEM/FIB equipment.

Skills

Hands-on experience with TEM

FIB expertise

Strong data analysis

Problem solving skills

Programming in Microsoft Access

SQL skills

LabVIEW proficiency

Knowledge of compound semiconductor theory

Education

Master’s degree or Ph.D in Material Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics

Tools

Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX/EDS)

Focused Ion Beam (FIB)

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Job description

Build a Brighter Future with AOI: Join Our Team of Visionaries

A failure analysis engineer for the process integration team will be responsible for failure analysis of semiconductor optical laser devices. He/She should have experience with front-end and back‑end‑of‑line, and packaging processing. Good understanding of reliability evaluation techniques and understanding failure analysis experience is desirable. He/she will collaborate with other individuals and functional teams, define projects, address issues, develop improvement plans, and finally to document and deliver the desired end results.

Job Duties

Responsible for internal failure analysis including device decap, internal microscopic and SEM inspection, internal measurement data analysis.

Hands‑on experiences on sample Preparation & Imaging: Utilize Focused Ion Beam (FIB) to prepare TEM samples and perform high‑resolution imaging (HR‑STEM) to identify defects at the atomic level.

Root Cause Analysis: Analyze structural, electrical, and physical defects in semiconductor devices, identifying issues related to yield, reliability, or process.

Material Characterization: Apply Energy Dispersive X‑ray Spectroscopy (EDX/EDS) and other analytical techniques (SIMS, XPS, SEM) to characterize materials.

Reporting & Collaboration: Document findings in detailed technical reports, present data to cross‑functional teams (design, process, QA), and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Equipment Maintenance: Ensure high uptime of TEM/FIB equipment through routine calibration and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

Hands‑on experience with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and FIB in a lab or manufacturing environment (typically 1–3+ years).

Master’s degree or Ph.D in Material Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline plus 1 year of working experience in semiconductor laboratory or fabrication is preferred.

Knowledge of compound semiconductor device theory is desired.

Microsoft Access, SQL, LabVIEW and other programing skills preferred.

Experience with DOE techniques and SPC (Statistical Process Control) is preferred.

Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.

Detail oriented and self‑motivated.

Ability to work independently and as a team.

Ability to work in clean room environment wearing smock

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for successful inter and intra‑group interactions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Subject to noise, vibration, dust, odors, and exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.

The associate work in a manufacturing environment and be require to wear personal protective equipment.

Location

This position will be on‑site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs

Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals

Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year

Relocation package available within US

Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)