Failure Analysis Engineering Technician

Job Title

Failure Analysis Engineering Technician

Role Summary

Perform hands-on failure analysis of semiconductor devices and support daily failure-analysis (FA) lab operations. The role identifies causes of device failures, documents findings, and coordinates with engineering teams to drive corrective actions and maintain lab readiness.

Work involves collaboration with Product, Design, Quality, and Foundry Engineering and coordination across geographically distributed FA labs.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Early Career — appropriate for candidates with practical semiconductor, test, or lab/debug experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include executing failure analyses, maintaining FA lab readiness, coordinating logistics, and communicating findings to stakeholders.

• Perform failure analysis on semiconductor ICs and systems to identify electrical and physical causes of failure.
• Act as case owner for FA issues: review test data, prioritize investigations, and manage case lifecycle.
• Perform non-destructive analysis and imaging (e.g., X-ray, C-SAM, microscopy, curve tracing) and conduct electrical fault isolation and bench-level debug.
• Perform physical analysis of packages, modules, or individual ICs when required and document root-cause findings.
• Record and summarize analysis results and communicate conclusions and recommended corrective actions to requesting teams.
• Support FA hardware, tooling, fixtures, consumables, and lab-equipment requests; verify receipt and basic functionality of equipment.
• Coordinate international logistics and shipping of FA tools and materials, including documentation and approvals.
• Coordinate with Procurement, Logistics, vendors, and facilities for deliveries, repairs, installations, and lab infrastructure needs.
• Provide clear status updates across geographically distributed teams (San Diego, Tijuana, Singapore).

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience for successful performance in the role.

• Hands-on experience in semiconductor, test, lab, or hardware debug environments.
• Experience supporting failure analysis, test, or lab operations.
• Ability to manage multiple analysis cases and operational tasks concurrently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to document results clearly and communicate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to frequently transport and install equipment weighing at least 25 lbs.
• Case ownership: drive investigations to conclusion and track required actions.

Nice-to-have:

• Familiarity with FA tools and techniques such as X-ray, C-SAM, microscopy, curve tracing, and electrical fault isolation.
• Experience coordinating international shipping, procurement, and vendor interactions.

Education Requirements

Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics, Physics, Materials Science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience. Minimum listed requirement: High School diploma or equivalent. Equivalent experience is accepted.

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.