Power Electronics, Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Qcells North America; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer to enhance their groundbreaking renewable power electronics products. This role involves leading the failure analysis process, ensuring exceptional quality from concept to field operation. You'll perform device-level analyses, collaborate with engineering teams, and utilize advanced fault isolation tools. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in power electronics, excellent analytical skills, and a proven track record in problem-solving. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction in the renewable energy sector.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in power electronics and failure analysis.
• Strong ability to read and interpret schematics and data sheets.
• Familiarity with quality principles like 8D reporting and FMEAs.

Responsibilities

• Perform device-level failure analysis to support customer returns.
• Identify root causes of failures in power electronics products.
• Collaborate with internal teams to drive improvements.

Skills

Failure Analysis

Power Electronics

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Technical Writing

Communication Skills

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscope

Thermal Imaging

Curve Tracers

FRACAS Software

Job description

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are looking for a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer with a strong background in renewable power electronics products (DC/AC and AC/DC converters) and components (MOSFETs, IGBTs, capacitors, etc.). In this role, you will play a key role in supporting customer returns, new product introduction, and continual improvement of our ground-breaking products. As a successful candidate, you will implement and own the failure analysis process of our products from concept to design, development, manufacturing, and field operation to design-in, confirm, and grow exceptional Quality at every stage.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform device-level FA in a collaborative environment to support customer returns, product qualifications, yield excursions, and new product development.
• Perform electrical and physical fault isolation on power electronics products: DC/AC, AC/DC converters, BESS, etc. to identify the root cause of failure in a timely and efficient manner.
• Maintain FRACAS database, write failure analysis reports, and deliver presentations, for customer or internal use, that elucidate the root cause of failure and may suggest possible solutions. Collaborate with internal engineering teams to drive improvements.
• Work with quality engineering, field service engineering, and design teams to identify root causes and drive resolution for failures originating in product development, production, and in the field.
• Demonstrate competence with the operation and application of standard failure analysis tools and lab equipment. Evaluate and introduce new equipment and techniques to the failure analysis flow
• Developing and managing KPIs, databases, and countermeasures as required for continuous improvements of Qcells ground-breaking products.
• Multi-task and successfully handle multiple analyses in parallel.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or MS, or PhD in EE
• 3+ years of experience working in power electronics / high voltage laboratory environment with a proven track record in performing failure analysis to component level(including relevant internship or academic lab work experience)
• Strong ability to read and interpret schematic and component data sheets and their applications.
• Knowledge of electrical tools and methods like Oscilloscopes, curve tracers, Thermal Imaging, etc. for fault isolation
• Experience with modern quality principles; including 8D reporting, Fishbone, FMEAs
• Familiarity with common components (MOSFETs, IGBTs, capacitors, etc.) failure mechanisms, and quality stress configurations
• Familiarity with FRACAS software or databases and a working knowledge of Reliability Analysis and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques.
• Excellent analytical skills and problem-solving ability
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven self-starter: identifies issues and creates solutions
• Experience in validation or applications engineering rolesin the industry of solar, electric vehicle, and battery storage.
• Proficient in power electronics and power conversion topologies
• Startup experience preferred.

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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