Failure Analysis Engineer – Semiconductor Optics (On‑Site; Relocation)

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC; Sugar Land, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorships

401(k) matching

PTO payout

Job summary

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC in Sugar Land, TX is seeking a failure analysis engineer for the process integration team to perform internal failure analysis on semiconductor optical laser devices. The role requires hands-on TEM and FIB experience and familiarity with reliability evaluation techniques.

You will lead failure analyses, document findings in technical reports, and present data to design, process and QA teams while maintaining TEM/FIB equipment uptime. A Master’s or Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D in relevant field plus 1 year of semiconductor lab or fabrication experience preferred.
• Hands-on TEM and FIB experience in lab or manufacturing.
• Knowledge of compound semiconductor device theory is desired.
• Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Ability to work in clean room and wear PPE.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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 FIB to prepare TEM samples and perform high-resolution imaging 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.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in a relevant field

Tools

TEM

FIB

EDX/EDS

XPS

SQL

LabVIEW

Job description

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC in Sugar Land, TX is seeking a failure analysis engineer for the process integration team to perform internal failure analysis on semiconductor optical laser devices. The role requires hands-on TEM and FIB experience and familiarity with reliability evaluation techniques.

You will lead failure analyses, document findings in technical reports, and present data to design, process and QA teams while maintaining TEM/FIB equipment uptime. A Master’s or Ph.D.