Precision Failure Analysis Technician – Sample Prep

iDEAL Semiconductor Devices Inc.; Bethlehem (Northampton County); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

iDEAL Semiconductor, based in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, is seeking a detail-oriented Failure Analysis (FA) Sample Preparation Technician to support the Quality and Failure Analysis teams. In this role, you will prepare electronic, mechanical, and material samples for detailed failure analysis investigations involving customer returns, production issues, and reliability test failures.

You will perform precision sample preparation, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and document

Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in Engineering Technology, Electronics, Materials Science, Quality, or related field.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1-3 years of laboratory, manufacturing, quality, or failure analysis experience preferred.
• Experience with sample preparation techniques and laboratory equipment is highly desirable.
• Experience in electronics, semiconductor, medical device, automotive, or manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Familiarity with microscopes, precision cutting, polishing, chemical handling and sample preparation processes.
• Understanding of quality systems and documentation practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to use databases and tracking systems for data management.
• Basic understanding of failure analysis and reliability testing processes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for failure analysis using sectioning, polishing, grinding, mounting, and other laboratory techniques.
• Operate and maintain sample preparation equipment, including cutting saws, mounting presses, polishing machines, and microscopes.
• Assist engineers in cross-sectioning, decapsulation, delayering and other destructive and non-destructive analysis activities.
• Handle and process returned products, reliability test samples, and manufacturing defect samples.
• Maintain proper identification, traceability, and storage of samples throughout the analysis process.
• Initiate CAPA and FA Reports
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) requirements.
• Support laboratory organization, cleanliness, and equipment calibration activities.
• Assist with documentation of findings and preparation of analysis reports.
• Enter and maintain failure analysis data in databases and tracking systems.
• Generate reports, charts, and metrics related to quality and reliability performance.
• Maintain laboratory records, work instructions, and document control systems.
• Coordinate sample receipt, shipment, and inventory management.
• Schedule meetings and support department administrative activities.
• Assist with audit preparation and quality documentation compliance.
• Track corrective actions and follow-up activities as assigned.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within Quality and Reliability functions.

Skills

Microscopy

Sample preparation

Quality documentation

Data management

MS Office

Laboratory safety

ESD awareness

CAPA

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microscopes

Cutting saws

Mounting presses

Polishing machines

Job description

iDEAL Semiconductor, based in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, is seeking a detail-oriented Failure Analysis (FA) Sample Preparation Technician to support the Quality and Failure Analysis teams. In this role, you will prepare electronic, mechanical, and material samples for detailed failure analysis investigations involving customer returns, production issues, and reliability test failures.

You will perform precision sample preparation, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and document