Failure Analysis Technician

Actalent; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off / PTO

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a contract Laboratory Technician in Seattle, WA, to support failure analysis and materials development. You will develop SOPs for sample prep and physical/chemical characterization, perform optical inspections, X-ray CT, SEM/EDX, and various materials tests.

The role requires an Associate of Science in a lab-related field (two years’ experience) and experience with cross sections, lab safety, and SOP/report writing.

Qualifications

• 2 years of related work experience with an Associate of Science degree in laboratory technology, electron microscopy, x-ray analysis, or a related field.
• Experience in performing bulk materials or electronics cross sections.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Experience with lab safety best practices.
• Experience with writing SOP documents and lab reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical lab work supporting prototype failure analysis and materials development investigations.
• Develop and execute SOPs for world-class analysis outcomes in sample preparation and physical/chemical characterization.
• Provide technical support for materials and failure analysis investigations to drive design and manufacturing improvements.
• Perform optical inspections and measurements.
• Conduct mechanical cross sectioning and associated sample preparation.
• Utilize 2D and computed tomography (CT) X-ray inspection methods.
• Execute materials testing, including thermal-mechanical and environmental testing.
• Maintain lab equipment.

Skills

Lab safety

Written communication

SOP writing

Cross sections experience

Education

Associate of Science in laboratory technology or related

Bachelor of Science in materials science or related

Tools

SEM/EDX

VGSTUDIO

X-ray inspection software

Job description

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical lab work supporting prototype failure analysis and materials development investigations.
• Develop and execute standard operating procedures (SOPs) for world-class analysis outcomes in sample preparation and physical/chemical characterization.
• Provide technical support for materials and failure analysis investigations to drive design and manufacturing improvements.
• Perform optical inspections and measurements.
• Conduct mechanical cross sectioning and associated sample preparation.
• Utilize 2D and computed tomography (CT) X-ray inspection methods.
• Execute materials testing, including thermal-mechanical and environmental testing.
• Maintain lab equipment.

Essential Skills

• 2 years of related work experience with an Associate of Science degree in laboratory technology, electron microscopy, x-ray analysis, or a related field.
• Experience in performing bulk materials or electronics cross sections.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Experience with lab safety best practices.
• Experience with writing SOP documents and lab reports.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in materials science or a related field.
• Experience with failure analysis methodology to derive a root-cause diagnosis of failure.
• Experience with materials and failure analysis techniques such as SEM/EDX, mechanical test, dye and pry, hardness testing, and 3D surface profiling.
• Experience with X-ray inspection and measurement software such as VGSTUDIO.
• Experience in an aerospace-related lab environment.
• Experience in making custom fixtures (3D printing, machining, prototyping).

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 17, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.