Failure Analysis Technician

Power Integrations; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical benefits

ESPP

401K

Tuition reimbursement

Time off programs

Job summary

Power Integrations in California is seeking a Failure Analysis Technician to support internal engineering teams and external customers. You will assist with electrical fault isolation, defect characterization, reliability evaluations, and RMA investigations in semiconductor devices and board-level assemblies.

The ideal candidate has hands-on testing experience with ATE and lab equipment, strong troubleshooting skills, and a passion for solving complex technical problems.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical diploma in electronics or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years hands‑on electronics testing or failure analysis.
• Working knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, assembly processes, packaging technologies, and power electronics.
• Experience with IC deprocessing, decapsulation, cross‑sectioning, polishing, and chemical etching techniques.
• Familiarity with PCB and power supply circuit operation and testing.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and engineering support to Failure Analysis Engineers in performing electrical fault isolation and defect characterization on internal and external device- and board‑level failure analysis requests.
• Conduct electrical testing and troubleshooting using automated test equipment (ATE) and bench‑top instrumentation.
• Operate analytical and inspection tools including CSAM, X‑ray, SEM/EDX, FIB, optical microscopy, and related failure analysis equipment.
• Perform sample preparation techniques including decapsulation, manual cross‑sectioning, parallel polishing, and wet chemical etching.
• Support product reliability qualification activities, customer complaint investigations, and RMA analyses.
• Assist in the development, improvement, and implementation of new failure analysis methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensure proper calibration and functionality, and coordinate consumables and supply inventory.
• Support project tracking, documentation, and reporting activities related to failure analysis investigations.
• Perform additional engineering support activities and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Electronic circuits

Semiconductor devices

Failure analysis methodologies

ATE systems

Lab test equipment

Troubleshooting

Documentation & collaboration

Education

Associate degree or technical diploma

Tools

CSAM

X-ray systems

SEM/EDX

FIB

Job description

Failure Analysis Technician

Company Description

At Power Integrations, we develop innovative semiconductor technologies that power energy-efficient solutions used around the world. From consumer electronics and industrial applications to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, our products help customers solve increasingly complex power conversion challenges.

Our technologies make electronic devices and energy systems more efficient worldwide. Employees collaborate with talented engineers, business leaders, and operations teams on products that directly affect our customers and our business.

Motivation for the Role

The Failure Analysis Technician plays a critical role in supporting product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. This position provides hands‑on technical expertise to help identify, isolate, and characterize failures in semiconductor devices and power electronics systems. Working closely with Failure Analysis Engineers, you will contribute to product qualification, reliability monitoring, customer issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives that support Power Integrations' commitment to innovation and excellence.

Job Description

The Failure Analysis Technician performs technical and laboratory functions in support of internal engineering teams and external customers. This role is responsible for assisting with electrical fault isolation, defect characterization, reliability evaluations, and return material authorization (RMA) investigations involving semiconductor devices and board‑level assemblies.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on technician with experience using advanced electrical test and analytical equipment in a semiconductor, electronics, or related technical environment. Success in this role requires strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and a passion for solving complex technical problems.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide technical and engineering support to Failure Analysis Engineers in performing electrical fault isolation and defect characterization on internal and external device- and board‑level failure analysis requests.
• Conduct electrical testing and troubleshooting using automated test equipment (ATE) and bench‑top instrumentation.
• Operate analytical and inspection tools including CSAM, X‑ray, SEM/EDX, FIB, optical microscopy, and related failure analysis equipment.
• Perform sample preparation techniques including decapsulation, manual cross‑sectioning, parallel polishing, and wet chemical etching.
• Support product reliability qualification activities, customer complaint investigations, and RMA analyses.
• Assist in the development, improvement, and implementation of new failure analysis methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensure proper calibration and functionality, and coordinate consumables and supply inventory.
• Support project tracking, documentation, and reporting activities related to failure analysis investigations.
• Perform additional engineering support activities and special projects as assigned.

Skills Required

• Solid understanding of electronic circuits, semiconductor devices, and failure analysis methodologies.
• Experience operating ATE systems and laboratory test equipment, including digital voltmeters, oscilloscopes, curve tracers, waveform generators, power supplies, and micro‑probing systems.
• Hands‑on experience with failure analysis and inspection tools such as optical microscopes, SEM, FIB, CSAM, and X‑ray systems.
• Ability to perform detailed troubleshooting and root cause investigations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a laboratory environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with engineering and cross‑functional teams.

Background Desired

• Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent training in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Semiconductor Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience in electronics testing, semiconductor manufacturing, failure analysis, or a related technical discipline.
• Working knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, assembly processes, packaging technologies, and power electronics.
• Experience with IC deprocessing, decapsulation, cross‑sectioning, polishing, and chemical etching techniques.
• Familiarity with PCB and power supply circuit operation and testing.
• Experience supporting engineering teams in a laboratory or manufacturing environment is preferred.

Total Rewards

Power Integrations is committed to building teams that drive innovation and therefore review a range of factors when determining compensation. The annual base pay range for this position is $76,854 - $121,153. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, qualifications and work location.

The range displayed on the job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this position in California. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Power Integrations also offers to our eligible employees a comprehensive total rewards package that includes equity, medical benefits, ESPP, 401K, tuition reimbursement and time off programs. For additional benefits, please visit: https://www.power.com/company/our-sustainability-priorities/people-our-engine-innovation.

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