Failure Analysis Engineer/Senior Failure Analysis Engineer, Texas Institute for Electronics

University of Texas; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health benefits

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin seeks a Failure Analysis Engineer to advance surface characterization of 3D semiconductor packages and lead the setup of a dedicated failure analysis facility at the Pickle Research Campus. You will work with cross-functional teams, customers, and vendors to push metrology capabilities and improve yield.

The role emphasizes independent problem solving, collaboration with industry partners, and ongoing lab development in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or related field; experience with surface science characterization tools
• Experience establishing and managing advanced research facilities
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills; able to work independently and with customers

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage surface science characterization tools for advanced package failure analysis.
• Set up the characterization facility at Montopolis campus, including planning, procurement and equipment installation.
• Identify root causes of failures to enable process and yield improvements in early production.
• Stay updated on industry trends and metrology advancements for lab capabilities.
• Collaborate with vendors and academic partners to develop advanced characterization techniques.
• Document processes and results via Metrology Capability Reports and Best Known Methodologies.

Skills

Surface analysis

Root cause analysis

Independent work

Problem solving

Education

M.S. in Materials Science/Physics/Mechanical Engineering

M.S./Ph.D. with surface science focus

Tools

Surface characterization instruments

Job description

Job Posting Title

Failure Analysis Engineer/Senior Failure Analysis Engineer, Texas Institute for Electronics

Hiring Department

Texas Institute for Electronics

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

To Be Determined at Offer

Earliest Start Date

Ongoing

Position Duration

Expected to Continue

Location

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

General Notes

This position may be filled at a higher level depending on the skills, education, and experience of the candidate.

About Us

The Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) is a University of Texas at Austin-supported semiconductor consortium of state and local government, preeminent defense electronics and semiconductor companies, national labs and nationally recognized academic institutions. Our mission is to develop and execute a state-of-the-art 3D Heterogenous Integration manufacturing technology roadmap, and to provide critical pilot manufacturing capabilities to address national security needs and catalyze domestic economic growth. Join the Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) and help us push the boundaries in critical semiconductor domains, including advanced packaging, with the aim of reestablishing U.S. prominence in semiconductor manufacturing. With over $1 billion in funding from the US DoD and the state of Texas, we’re at the forefront of creating cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing equipment and processes that will set the course for future advancements in semiconductor logic, memory, heterogeneous integration, chip cooling and more. Situated in the heart of Austin — named America's Coolest City by Expedia and The Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report — the Texas Institute for Electronics embodies the city’s innovative spirit. UT Austin, recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers, provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

Purpose

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated failure analysis engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for surface characterization analytical tools for detailed characterization of complex 3D semiconductor packages. This role involves working closely with a varied range of customers and an active collaboration across cross‑functional teams, including materials, process engineering and design.

Responsibilities

• Establish and responsible for surface science characterization tools for advanced package failure analysis & characterization.
• Direct engagement with the setup of the characterization facility at the Montopolis campus, including planning, procurement, and setup of equipment and infrastructure.
• Identify root cause of failures enabling process/recipe optimization and yield improvements in early production.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in surface characterization analytical metrologies.
• Collaborate with external vendors and academic partners on the development of advanced characterization techniques to continuously improve lab capabilities and methodologies.
• Lead efforts to document design processes, methodologies, and results through Metrology Capability Reports and establish Best Known Methodologies.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV: M.S. in Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with at least four years' of experience with surface science characterization tools.
• Research Engineering/Scientist Associate V: M.S. in Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with at least six years' of experience with surface science characterization tools.
• Proven track record of establishing and managing advanced research facilities.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with customers and team members.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop new metrologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• More than three years' of experience with surface science characterization tools.
• Experience working with defense companies and commercial semiconductor firms.
• Understanding of semiconductor technologies and wafer‑level assembly processes.

Salary

TIE Pays Industry Competitive Salaries

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around chemicals
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity (ex: using a mouse)

Required Materials

• Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position may have the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, dependent upon the job profile you qualify for, and subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E‑Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E‑Verify is 854197. For more information about E‑Verify, please see the following: E‑Verify Poster (English and Spanish) PDF Right to Work Poster (English) PDF Right to Work Poster (Spanish) PDF.

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and may be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP‑3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services.

Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment.

For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone].

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