Sr. Failure Analysis Technician - Microelectronics (SEM/TEM)

GlobalFoundries; Essex Junction (VT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

GlobalFoundries, Fab 9 in Essex Junction, VT, is seeking a Microelectronics Failure Analysis - Sr. Technician to join our advanced analytical lab.

This hands‑on role supports semiconductor manufacturing, yield learning, reliability analysis, and root cause investigations through SEM and TEM workflows. You will prepare samples via cleaving, polishing, etching, and FIB milling, perform SEM inspections, and collaborate with SEM/TEM engineers to accelerate investigations.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent military training in a technical field.
• 3–4 years in technical lab, manufacturing, microscopy, or semiconductor industry.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn and operate complex analytical equipment.
• Follow detailed procedures with precision on delicate samples.
• Clear written and verbal English communication.
• Experience supporting failure analysis or reliability activities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare semiconductor samples for SEM/TEM using cleaving, polishing, etching, and FIB milling.
• Execute sample prep plans with SEM/TEM engineers.
• Perform routine SEM failure analysis to support yield, reliability, and manufacturing investigations.
• Operate and maintain SEM, FIB, and prep equipment per procedures.
• Collect high-quality images and data using SEM tools.
• Use image analysis software to support investigations.
• Ensure sample quality, documentation, and dimensional accuracy.
• Track work in LIMS and reporting systems.
• Help develop SEM/TEM methods and workflows.
• Collaborate with engineers and lab staff on investigations and customer requests.
• Support maintenance and basic troubleshooting of lab equipment.
• Maintain cleanroom and lab safety protocols.
• Participate in training to build SEM/FIB/failure analysis expertise.
• Contribute to safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Ability to learn complex equipment

Ability to follow procedures

Effective communication

English fluency

Multi-tasking

Failure analysis experience

Education

Associate’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Electronics, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Chemistry, Math, or related OR equivalent military technical training

Tools

SEM

FIB

TEM

LIMS

Job description

About GlobalFoundries:

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Summary of Role

GlobalFoundries, Fab 9 is seeking a Microelectronics Failure Analysis - Sr. Technician to join our advanced analytical laboratory in Essex Junction, Vermont. This hands‑on role supports semiconductor manufacturing, yield learning, reliability analysis, and root cause investigations through advanced sample preparation and analytical techniques used in both Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). This position is designed as a flexible technical role that supports both SEM and TEM operations. The technician will prepare samples using a variety of techniques including mechanical cleaving, polishing, chemical etching, and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling. In addition, the technician will perform SEM inspections and routine failure analysis activities while developing expertise in advanced analytical workflows. The successful candidate will work closely with SEM and TEM engineers to support a wide range of manufacturing, technology development, and customer-driven investigations. This position is ideal for candidates with strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and an interest in advanced microscopy and semiconductor failure analysis. Technicians in this role will develop specialized skills across multiple analytical disciplines while contributing to investigations that directly support Fab 9 manufacturing operations and technology development.

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepare semiconductor samples for SEM and TEM analysis using mechanical cleaving, polishing, wet/dry chemical etching, and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling techniques
• Execute sample preparation plans developed in collaboration with SEM and TEM engineers
• Perform routine SEM failure analysis activities to support yield, reliability, and manufacturing investigations
• Operate and maintain SEM, FIB, and sample preparation equipment following established procedures
• Collect high-quality images and analytical data using SEM tools
• Utilize image analysis and measurement software to support engineering investigations
• Ensure sample quality, dimensional accuracy, and proper documentation throughout the preparation and analysis process
• Track and document work using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and established reporting methods
• Assist in the development and improvement of SEM and TEM sample preparation methods, workflows, and best practices
• Collaborate closely with engineers, technicians, and lab staff to support failure analysis investigations and customer requests
• Support preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting activities on laboratory equipment
• Maintain cleanroom and laboratory protocols while adhering to all safety requirements
• Participate in training programs to develop advanced expertise in SEM operation, FIB sample preparation, and failure analysis techniques
• Contribute to a strong culture of safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree (2-year technical degree) in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Electronics, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Chemistry, Math, or a related technical discipline OR equivalent military technical training
• Experience: minimum 3-4 years of relevant technical laboratory, manufacturing, machining, microscopy, or semiconductor industry experience
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Demonstrated problem-solving and organizational skills
• Ability to learn and operate complex analytical equipment
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and work with precision on delicate samples
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in English - both written and verbal
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple requests while maintaining high-quality standards
• Experience supporting failure analysis, materials characterization, reliability, or process development activities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to periodically lift up to 30 pounds to support tool maintenance and laboratory activities
• Ability to work for extended periods while operating laboratory equipment and preparing precision samples
• Ability to work in laboratory environments while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating SEM, FIB, or other analytical microscopy systems
• Experience in a semiconductor fab, cleanroom, analytical laboratory, or advanced manufacturing environment
• Experience performing SEM imaging, inspection, or analytical characterization
• Experience with sample preparation techniques such as precision cleaving, polishing, mounting, sectioning, thinning, or metallographic preparation
• Familiarity with semiconductor devices and semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Experience using image analysis and measurement software
• Experience documenting technical work in a laboratory or manufacturing environment
• Experience with TEM sample preparation, FIB milling, or site-specific cross-sectioning is desirable

Expected Salary Range

$48,200.00 - $83,200.00

The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

The role you are applying for may require you to obtain a US Department of Defense Security Clearance at some time during your employment. Acceptance of this role commits to applying for such if requested. Further, the applicant consents to being asked questions about their citizenship and background to assess the likelihood of obtaining a Security Clearance. The applicant also acknowledges that GlobalFoundries can only nominate and submit an application for a Security Clearance. The granting of a Security Clearance is at the sole discretion of the U.S. Government and the Department of Defense.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law