Principal Failure Analysis Engineer (Semiconductor / Electronics)

Eurofins | EAG Laboratories; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

401k Company Matching

Paid Time Off

Wellness Program

Education Assistance

Job summary

Eurofins EAG Laboratories in Irvine, CA seeks a seasoned Failure Analysis Engineer/Senior Analyst to lead investigations on semiconductor devices and complex electronics. You will apply a range of fault-isolation techniques and coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver actionable results for clients.

The role requires 15+ years of direct lab experience (semiconductor/electronics), a BSEE or MSEE, and strong communication skills. ISO and ITAR compliance are part of the environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Mechanical/Materials or equivalent field.
• 15+ years of direct, hands-on Failure Analysis laboratory experience in semiconductor/electronics industry.
• Experience leading teams or mentoring is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Perform root cause failure analysis on complex semiconductor/electronic devices.
• Utilize advanced techniques (OBIRCH, XIVA, emmi, IR thermography) for fault isolation.
• Lead or mentor engineers on projects and tasks in a dynamic client-focused environment.

Skills

Root cause failure analysis

OBIRCH

XIVA

Emmi

IR Thermography

Electrical test/measurements

Microprobing

X-ray (2D)

SEM/EDS

GDS layout

LabVIEW

Education

BSEE or MSEE

Tools

LabView

GDS layout

Job description

Eurofins EAG Laboratories has over 40 years experience in engineering and materials testing services. Our parent company, Eurofins Scientific, is a multi-billion-dollar global leader in engineering and scientific services operating over 950 labs in 60 countries with 65,000 employees with a portfolio of over 200,000 validated analytical methods.

At EAG, curiosity fuels everything we do. Every analysis, every test, and every question asked in our labs helps unlock what materials and products are capable of—and what the world can build next. If you’re energized by materials science, analytical chemistry, engineering rigor, and solving problems that matter, you’ll feel right at home here.

Our scientists and engineers support industries ranging from semiconductors and advanced electronics to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, energy systems, and consumer products. Using advanced techniques in analytical chemistry, microscopy, surface analysis, and engineering sciences, we help clients solve complex challenges across the product lifecycle.

What sets EAG apart isn’t just our world‑class instrumentation—it’s our people. We’re problem solvers, collaborators, and lifelong learners who value precision, curiosity, and impact. Here, your work directly influences the safety, reliability, and performance of products used around the globe.

Imagine the possibilities. Let’s explore them together.

Job Description

Examples of the type of investigations:

• Identified a semiconductor fabrication defect as well as a design related issue within a non-functioning, first version product to be used in a novel medical application: With this failure insight, the client was able to quickly implement appropriate changes and corrections to the manufacturing and redesign, producing a working product to further their new product launch activities.
• Isolated and identified the exact root cause of a product failure in the field, to a manufacturing event produced uniquely by a particular production step: With this information, the client was able to initiate a strategic containment plan to recall/quarantine the affected lot to avert catastrophic failures before they occurred. This helped prevent a larger public incident that could have damaged their product reliability and brand reputation.

In this role, you will employ a variety of advanced tools and techniques to help support diverse aspects of a client’s needs, which includes conducting technical discussions to understand the scope and expectations, designing and executing appropriate analytical plan/method, consulting with value‑added insight and result interpretation, and recommending suitable next steps.

As a senior member of the team, you will be responsible working alongside your peers and/or leading teams of engineers in the lab. The role will include aspects of project management, job planning, multi‑disciplinary problem solving, legal projects and other complex client issues and requests. This is a dynamic role where you will be exposed to an ever‑changing and evolving array of samples, tools and techniques on the path of innovation.

Qualifications

Employees are expected to comply with ISO 27001 standard and company requirements for Information security.

This role is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) therefore all accepted applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR: U.S. Person is a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Education and Experience

• BSEE or MSEE required
• Minimum 15+ yrs of direct, hands‑on Failure Analysis laboratory experience (semiconductor and electronics industry)
• Experience and knowledge in the following: Semiconductor, materials analysis, electronics manufacturing, design, etc.
• Experiences as a technical lead, manager or mentor are highly desired

Job Skills and Knowledge

• Required Hands‑on experience/expertise:
  • Root cause failure analysis
  • Fault isolation techniques: OBIRCH, XIVA, emmi, IR Thermography
  • Electrical Test/Measurements: ATE datalog, Curve trace, Bench test (parametric analyzer, o‑scopes, CV measurement, LCR meter, etc.)
  • Microprobing/Picoprobing
  • X‑ray (2D)
  • SEM/EDS
• Highly desired Hands‑on experience/expertise:
  • LVP/LTP, SDL/LADA
  • DBFIB, PFIB
  • X‑ray (CT/3D)
  • Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (C‑SAM).
  • Deprocessing (RIE, parallel lapping, PFIB, etc.)
  • Chemical etching (decapsulation, HF, acids/bases, delineation, etc.).
  • Plasma etching (RIE, ICP, CF4, etc.)
  • Cross sectioning (metallurgical, ion mill, DB FIB, etc.)
  • Nanoprobing
  • FinFET and advanced node technology
  • DPA (Destructive Physical Analysis)
  • Software: GDS layout, LabView
• Working knowledge of:
  • Device physics, circuits/schematics, analog/digital circuits, IC design
  • DPA, Mil-Std, AEC, JEDEC, IPC, etc.
  • Semiconductor fabrication/process, yield enhancement
  • Manufacturing, IC package assembly
  • NPI, Reliability/Qualification testing
• Able to develop new methods or techniques
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
• A strong work ethic with a commitment to accuracy
• The ability to work to deadlines in a team‑oriented environment are essential

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 80% of the time.
• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer or lab equipment for extended periods of time (4 or more hours).
• Ability to operate a keyboard and other lab equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead
• Ability to communicate clearly and understandably ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting.
• Ability to handle small and fragile devices with tweezers and /or fingers.
• Require close distance visual acuity with or without correction (Glasses, Contacts, etc.)
• Must be willing and able to wear PPE such as hard-hat, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, laboratory coat and/or any other devices or equipment that is required.
• Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow, ability to communicate with visitors, ability to complete tasks in situations that have a speed or productivity quota.
• Ability to move equipment or items up to 50 lbs.

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability or special need, we would like to know how we can better accommodate you.

Additional InformationWhat It’s Like to Work Here:

• Teamwork: experience what being a part of the Eurofins‑EAG community feels like. Be inspired by your leaders, be encouraged by your teammates and be supported in all parts of your journey while you work with us.
• Learning & Development: take on career development programs and goal setting to create big possibilities for your career and life. Develop within the company; be mentored and grown as a leader.
• Diversity & Authenticity: we work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Benefits & Perks to Foster Work/Life Balance

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401k Company Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Program
• Education Assistance
• …and more!

Eurofins EAG Laboratories is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all of our employment practices.Eurofins EAG Laboratories recruits, hires, trains, promotes and administers all employment-related mattersbased onan individual's qualifications,abilities,and efforts. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, military and/or protected veteran status, and/or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Eurofins EAG Laboratories is a Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and

Check out our other opportunities: www.eag.com/about/careers/

Eurofins USA Material Sciences is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer