FIB/SEM Engineer — Materials & Failure Analysis

Headway Technologies; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Headway Technologies in Milpitas, California, seeks a FIB/SEM Engineer to perform advanced physical characterizations and materials analyses. You will prepare TEM lamella samples, image devices with high-resolution SEM/STEM, and support development of new designs and processes for magnetic recording heads or MRAM.

The role requires expertise in FIB/SEM, TEM, and EDS/EELS, plus strong data analysis and communication skills. This is an exempt, full-time position based in Milpitas, CA.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s with relevant experience in materials characterization.
• Strong knowledge of TEM lamella sample prep and FIB/SEM fundamentals.
• Experience with metrology, materials and failure analyses for HDD/magnetic recording tech.

Responsibilities

• Prepare TEM lamella samples for TEM analyses.
• Perform high‑resolution SEM/STEM imaging for cross‑section analysis.
• Conduct device failure analysis with FIB/SEM and EDS.
• Analyze device structures using FIB/SEM 3D tomography.
• Develop new sample prep recipes to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Collaborate with team to advance metrology and failure analysis techniques.
• Document data, create reports, and present findings to groups.

Skills

FIB/SEM fundamentals

TEM lamella prep

EDX/EDS analysis

MS Office proficiency

communication skills

Education

Master’s in Materials Science / Chemical Engineering / Physics

Bachelor’s in Materials Science / Chemical Engineering / Physics + 3 years experience

Tools

FIB/SEM instruments

TEM/STEM

EDX / EELS

Job description

Headway Technologies in Milpitas, California, seeks a FIB/SEM Engineer to perform advanced physical characterizations and materials analyses. You will prepare TEM lamella samples, image devices with high-resolution SEM/STEM, and support development of new designs and processes for magnetic recording heads or MRAM.

The role requires expertise in FIB/SEM, TEM, and EDS/EELS, plus strong data analysis and communication skills. This is an exempt, full-time position based in Milpitas, CA.