Failure Analysis Engineer (Aerospace & Defense)

SPIRIT ELECTRONICS; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit Electronics in Phoenix, AZ seeks a Failure Analysis (FA) Engineer to analyze microelectronics, semiconductors, EEE components, and PCBAs in our FA/DPA lab. You will work with Technical Sales to quote timelines and coordinate lab work to meet schedules.

You will manage resources, prepare reports, and ensure quality standards are met while collaborating with Quality to pass audits and maintain AS9100/ISO9001 compliance.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in semiconductor/device analysis or failure analysis
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering; advanced degrees/ Certifications are a plus
• Experience with MIL-STD for EEE/semiconductor components, especially MIL-STD-1580
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills
• US citizen, permanent resident, or protected status required per US export laws

Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for Technical Sales for RFQ, quoting, deliverables, and cycle time requirements
• Execute hands-on operations for C-SAM, X-Ray, decapsulation, cross-sectioning, SEM, EDS, microscopic inspection, and DPA services
• Manage lab resources to ensure high utilization and timely completion of work orders
• Track, report, and expedite lab work orders to meet customer schedules
• Analyze test results to provide conclusions and follow-up actions
• Create presentations, reports, and data packs for lab work orders
• Coordinate with Quality to update SOPs and pass AS9100/ISO9001 audits
• Conduct FA lab tours and showcase Spirit’s FA capabilities
• Maintain lab equipment with preventive maintenance and calibration schedules

Skills

Semiconductor analysis

Failure analysis

DPA testing

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/electronics engineering

Tools

C-SAM

X-Ray

Decapsulation

Cross-sectioning

SEM

EDS

DPA testing

Job description

About this position

Description:

Company Description:

Spirit Electronics is a veteran-owned, woman-owned value-added supplier of high reliability components, engineering services and superior supply chain solutions. With a history rooted in serving the military and space industries, Spirit strives to be a valued partner to key technology sectors. As an award-winning distributor, Spirit delivers authorized products and a range of value-added services, including SMI/VMI, foundry access, electrical and environmental testing, design, assembly, and end-of-life management.

Position Overview:

This is a full-time role for a Failure Analysis (FA) Engineer at Spirit Electronics located in Phoenix, AZ. The FA Engineer will play a vital role in our FA/DPA lab analyzing microelectronics, semiconductors, EEE components, and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). The FA Engineer will work with the Technical Sales Team to understand customer requirements, provide quotes and estimated timelines to complete the work. The FA Engineer will need to be flexible and accommodate a wide range of devices and components analyzed in Spirit’s lab. Additionally, the FA Engineer will be responsible for ensuring lab equipment is utilized effectively, and work orders are completed on time to meet schedules. The FA Engineer will be responsible for establishing and maintaining quality standards and procedures and working with the Quality Team to pass certifications and audits.

US PERSON REQUIREMENT

Due to US Export control laws, must be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident or have protected status

Essential Job Functions:

• Act as the main point of contact for Technical Sales for RFQ, Quoting, Deliverables, and Cycle Time requirements
• Execute hands-on operations for C-SAM, X-Ray, decapsulation, cross-sectioning, SEM, EDS, microscopic inspection, and destructive physical analysis (DPA) services, including sample preparation
• Manage lab resources to ensure high utilization and timely completion of work orders
• Track, report, and expedite lab work orders to meet customer committed schedules
• Analyze test and inspection results to provide customers with results, conclusions, and suggested follow-up actions
• Act as subject matter expert for completed analysis and create presentations, reports, and data pack collateral for lab work orders
• Coordinate with Quality to ensure SOPs are updated, accurate, and meet AS9100 and ISO9001 standards, and successfully pass customer and certification audits
• Conduct FA lab tours and act as spokesman for Spirit’s FA capabilities
• Maintain lab equipment to preventative maintenance and calibration schedules

Requirements:

• 5-7 years of experience in semiconductor device analysis, failure analysis, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related field
• Advanced degrees or technical certifications are a plus
• Hands-on experience with failure analysis, device analysis, technology tear-down, reverse engineering, DPA testing, and construction analysis of semiconductors, passive, and discrete devices
• Extensive experience with MIL-STD for EEE and semiconductor components, especially DPA MIL-STD-1580
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a dynamic work environment
• Strong solution-focused work ethic with a high degree of flexibility supporting multiple projects of varying complexity and priority
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to analyze complex circuits and devices
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in analytical processes
• Excellent communication skills with ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical information clearly
• Knowledge of personnel and product safety practices, including ESD and FOD controls