Failure Analysis Engineer

Job Title

Failure Analysis Engineer

Role Summary

The Failure Analysis Engineer investigates and identifies root causes of semiconductor device failures to improve product quality and reliability. The role works with cross-functional teams (design, product, test, reliability, manufacturing) to deliver actionable analysis and corrective actions.

Experience Level

Mid-level — typically requires 2+ years of semiconductor failure analysis experience; strong recent graduates with relevant practical or academic experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include electrical and analytical failure analysis, reporting, and cross-team collaboration.

• Perform detailed electrical failure analysis on microcontrollers, processors, analog circuits, and other semiconductor devices.
• Operate and interpret results from tools such as SEM/EDX, OBIRCH, emission microscopy, PEM/LIT, and other fault‑isolation equipment.
• Use electrical debug and characterization tools (curve tracers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes) for fault isolation.
• Develop and implement new failure analysis methodologies to address emerging failure modes.
• Document findings with clear observations, root‑cause conclusions, and recommended corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, test, product, and reliability teams to drive product and process improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Maintain knowledge of advances in failure analysis techniques and device physics.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items noted separately.

• Must-have: Practical experience in semiconductor failure analysis and root-cause investigation; preference for candidates with prior work in high-volume manufacturing or R&D.
• Must-have: Hands-on experience with failure analysis tools and techniques (SEM/EDX, OBIRCH, emission microscopy, PEM/LIT, LVP/EOP, etc.).
• Must-have: Proficiency in electrical debug and characterization techniques (curve tracing, logic analysis, oscilloscope use).
• Must-have: Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to root-cause analysis; effective written and verbal communication.
• Preferred: Experience with statistical analysis tools and methodologies for data-driven failure assessment.
• Preferred: Prior mentorship or leadership of junior engineers/technicians.
• Note: Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field is stated as the typical academic background. Equivalent practical experience in semiconductor failure analysis is acceptable; fresh graduates with strong fundamentals are explicitly encouraged.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.