Sr. Material Failure Analysis Engineer

Southern Arizona Legal Aid Inc.; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to enhancing public safety through innovative technologies. As a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer, you'll spearhead critical investigations that shape the future of life-saving products. Your expertise will drive improvements and influence strategic decisions at the highest levels, ensuring product reliability and safety. This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge analytical techniques and mentor the next generation of engineers, all while contributing to a mission that truly matters. If you're ready to make a real impact in a collaborative environment, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary and 401k with employer match

Discretionary paid time off

Paid parental leave

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Fitness Programs

Emotional & Mental Wellness support

Learning & Development programs

Snacks in the office

Qualifications

• 5+ years in failure analysis and root cause determination.
• Expertise in advanced analytical techniques and material science.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations to determine root causes of product failures.
• Drive improvements in failure analysis processes and methodologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and influence cross-functional teams.

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

Analytical Techniques

Material Performance Evaluation

Technical Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Master's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

CT X-ray

SEM

EDS

FTIR

XRF

Spectroscopy

Job description

Join Axon and be a Force for Good.

At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.

Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.

Your Impact

Axon is committed to improving public safety by developing cutting-edge, innovative technologies. Known for developing the original TASER energy weapon, the Axon engineering team is tasked with continual excellence to keep the organization at the forefront of the market.

As a key member of our Failure Analysis team, you will help launch initiatives that redefine the way we select the materials and components that comprise our next generation life-saving technology. You will spearhead collaborative Root Cause Analysis projects with impacts highly visible to even the most senior executives. We will look to you to help us select, justify and procure the various state of the art test equipment needed to perform these analyses as we accelerate our world class laboratories into the future.

As a Senior Failure Analysis Engineer at Axon, you will play a critical role in driving advanced failure analysis methodologies and root cause investigations crucial to product reliability and safety. You will independently spearhead significant analytical projects, influence cross-functional decisions, and directly impact Axon’s strategic initiatives through expert recommendations. Your work will directly influence executive-level strategic decisions, leading to tangible improvements in our products and processes. We will look to you to help us select, justify and procure the various state of the art test equipment needed to perform these analyses as we accelerate our world class laboratories into the future.

What You'll Do

Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Reports to: Manager, Test Engineering

• Lead sophisticated failure analysis investigations using state-of-the-art analytical techniques to determine root causes of complex product failures.
• Drive continuous improvement in failure analysis processes, equipment capabilities, and testing methodologies.
• Help to develop a world-class process for the evaluation of material characteristics that ensure robust products.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth and skill development within the Failure Analysis team.
• Influence cross-functional teams by providing expert insights and recommendations based on in-depth analysis.
• Own the selection, justification, and acquisition of advanced analytical instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
• Engage proactively with senior leadership, delivering impactful reports and presentations on critical failure investigations.

What you bring

• L8: Minimum 5+ years; L9: Minimum 8+ years of direct experience evaluating material and component performance and performing root cause determination on complex products, preferably within high-reliability or regulated industries.
• Expertise in a broad range of analytical techniques such as CT X-ray, SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRF, advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, structural and environmental stress analysis.
• Deep knowledge of industrial manufacturing methods and materials science with a demonstrated capability to assess manufacturing and design robustness.
• Advanced proficiency in interpreting complex technical requirements and translating them into structured, comprehensive test plans leveraging standards such as MIL-STD-810, IEC, and other applicable industrial criteria.
• Proven leadership experience in high-stakes failure analysis investigations with a demonstrated ability to deliver actionable insights under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical issues and solutions to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Proven capability in mentoring and leading technical teams, enhancing overall team competencies and outcomes.

Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Fitness Programs
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support
• Learning & Development programs
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work.

Don’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Important Notes

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

Axon’s mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon’s impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please [e-mail]. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.