Senior Microelectronics Failure Analysis Engineer

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Failure Analysis Engineer, Microelectronics (Starlink), to perform root cause analysis on microelectronic components and packaging, ensuring high-volume manufacturing quality and reliable field returns.

We value deep physics-of-failure expertise, advanced FA tools, and collaboration with design and manufacturing teams to drive corrective actions and document results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, chemical engineering, or other STEM discipline.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in microelectronics failure analysis or materials characterization.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end root cause failure analysis investigations on microelectronics failing in manufacturing, test, and field, from initial failure characterization through final corrective action verification.
• Conduct advanced electrical fault isolation and characterization using curve trace, TDR, RF characterization, Lock-in Thermography, OBIRCH, EBIRCH, EBAC, nanoprobing, and related techniques to precisely localize defects in complex devices.
• Perform advanced physical failure analysis using SEM, FIB, EDS, SAM, cross-sectioning, and related techniques to identify failure mechanisms in silicon, packaging, and interconnects.
• Apply physics-of-failure principles and deep knowledge of semiconductor failure modes to determine root causes.
• Drive corrective actions with silicon design, packaging, and manufacturing teams to implement and validate design or process changes based on FA findings.
• Author detailed technical reports documenting failure modes, root cause conclusions, supporting data, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Develop and improve failure analysis techniques and workflows to support new packaging technologies and advanced materials.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Technical writing

Python data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in STEM

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

SEM

FIB

EDS

SAM

OBIRCH

EBIRCH

EBAC

Nanoprobing

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Failure Analysis Engineer, Microelectronics (Starlink), to perform root cause analysis on microelectronic components and packaging, ensuring high-volume manufacturing quality and reliable field returns.

We value deep physics-of-failure expertise, advanced FA tools, and collaboration with design and manufacturing teams to drive corrective actions and document results.