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 is seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer to analyze microelectronics, semiconductors, EEE components and PCBAs. You will work with Technical Sales to understand customer requirements, provide quotes and timelines, and ensure work orders meet schedules.

The role requires maintaining quality standards, preparing reports, and collaborating with Quality to pass AS9100 and ISO9001 audits. The lab also conducts tours and demonstrations of FA capabilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years in semiconductor device analysis, failure analysis, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/electronics engineering or related field.
• Advanced degrees or technical certifications are a plus.
• Hands-on failure analysis, device analysis, tech tear-down, reverse engineering, DPA testing, and construction analysis of semiconductors and discrete devices.
• Experience with MIL-STD for EEE and semiconductors, especially DPA MIL-STD-1580.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, dynamic environment.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail; excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of safety practices: ESD and FOD controls.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for Technical Sales for RFQ, quoting, deliverables, and cycle-time requirements.
• Perform hands-on FA tasks including C-SAM, X-Ray, decapsulation, cross-sectioning, SEM/EDS, and DPA sample prep.
• Manage lab resources for high utilization and timely work order completion.
• Track and expedite lab work orders to meet customer schedules.
• Analyze results and present conclusions and follow-up actions.
• Create presentations and data packs for lab orders.
• Coordinate with Quality to ensure SOPs meet AS9100/ISO9001 and audits.
• Lead FA lab tours and promote Spirit’s FA capabilities.
• Maintain lab equipment with preventive maintenance and calibration.

Skills

Failure analysis

Semiconductor analysis

DPA testing

Technical reporting

Lab management

Equipment maintenance

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Advanced degree or certifications

Tools

X-Ray

SEM/EDS

Cross-sectioning

MIL-STD-1580 familiarity

Job 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.

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

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