Laboratory Expert - Physical Analysis & Failure Analysis

Job Title

Laboratory Expert - Physical Analysis & Failure Analysis

Role Summary

Lead advanced physical analysis and failure analysis activities for power semiconductor devices and power modules, with a primary focus on R&D support for package and power module development. The role serves as the technical reference in the laboratory for material, interface, and structural characterization.

Work concentrates on next-generation SiC and GaN technologies from development through validation, providing technical input to R&D, process engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.

Experience Level

Senior-level. The posting specifies more than 20 years of experience in semiconductor analytical laboratories.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on advanced laboratory analyses, lead investigations, and transfer technical knowledge to colleagues.

• Lead advanced physical and failure analysis on power semiconductor devices and power modules.
• Support R&D activities for package and power module development, especially for SiC and GaN technologies.
• Perform complex root-cause investigations of material, assembly, interface, and structural issues.
• Execute semiconductor sample preparation: precision cutting/sectioning, lapping and polishing, metallographic cross-sections, ion milling, and sputtering/coating.
• Conduct optical and digital microscopy, SEM, and FIB analyses for defect localization and structural characterization.
• Perform chemical etching and acid-based processes for resin removal, delayering, and metallization exposure.
• Analyze multilayer and multi-interface package structures used in power modules and devices.
• Support reliability investigations, qualification activities, and technology characterization.
• Develop laboratory methodologies and analytical best practices; mentor junior laboratory personnel.
• Collaborate with R&D, process engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams on development and validation tasks.

Requirements

Key technical skills, domain experience, and personal attributes required for independent laboratory leadership.

• Must-have: 20+ years of experience in semiconductor failure analysis and physical analysis laboratories.
• Must-have: Extensive hands-on experience with sample preparation techniques including metallographic preparation, lapping and polishing, precision cutting, ion milling, and sputtering.
• Must-have: Strong experience with optical microscopy, digital microscopy, SEM, and FIB.
• Must-have: Extensive experience with chemical and acid etching techniques for semiconductor analysis.
• Must-have: Deep knowledge of Silicon (Si), Silicon Carbide (SiC), and Gallium Nitride (GaN) device structures.
• Must-have: Strong understanding of power semiconductor packaging technologies, power module architectures, and multilayer/multi-interface structures.
• Must-have: Experience in automotive and industrial power electronics applications; familiarity with reliability and qualification activities.
• Must-have: Ability to independently manage complex analytical activities, mentor junior staff, and work effectively in cross-functional and international teams.
• Nice-to-have: Prior hands-on involvement in R&D and validation phases for next-generation SiC and GaN power modules.

Education Requirements

Technical diploma or degree in a relevant technical field (technical diploma or degree in engineering/technical disciplines). (Source lists a "technical diploma or degree in a relevant technical field.")

About the Company

Company: Vishay Siliconix

Headquarters: Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Vishay Siliconix is the Vishay subsidiary in Taiwan specializing in power MOSFETs, semiconductor packaging and related R&D and manufacturing. Founded in 1974, it produces discrete semiconductors and supports automotive, industrial, computing, telecommunications and other markets as part of the global Vishay group.