Principal Engineer - Failure Analysis

Job Title

Principal Engineer - Failure Analysis

Role Summary

Lead failure analysis and material analysis operations for package and material issues, providing technical direction, operational oversight, and continuous improvement for a chemical analysis laboratory within a semiconductor manufacturing environment.

Serve as the technical subject matter expert in material and chemical analysis, drive cross-functional investigations and yield improvement efforts, and ensure laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

Experience Level

Level: Senior. Requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in semiconductor or electronics manufacturing in Quality & Reliability, Failure Analysis, or Product/Process Engineering.

Responsibilities

Primary duties of the role include:

• Lead and manage package and material failure analysis operations and laboratory activities.
• Provide technical leadership and act as the SME for chemical and material analysis (SEM/EDX, FTIR, XPS, surface analysis).
• Develop and implement advanced failure analysis methodologies and decapsulation/deprocessing chemical formulations.
• Manage resources, mentor and develop FA engineers and technicians, and build team capability.
• Lead cross-functional investigations and task forces to resolve complex failure and material issues; support yield improvement programs.
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive failure analysis reports and present findings to stakeholders.
• Oversee laboratory safety, chemical handling, waste management, and pollution control as the FA Laboratory Safety Officer.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and quality certification standards; collaborate with local and global FA teams and other engineering functions.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and proactively identify and mitigate operational risks.

Requirements

Must-have skills, experience, and responsibilities (education/licensing summarized separately):

• Minimum 10 years relevant experience in semiconductor or electronics manufacturing focused on failure analysis, quality/reliability, or product/process engineering.
• Proven expertise in material analysis techniques: SEM/EDX, FTIR, XPS, and surface analysis methods.
• Experience formulating chemical solutions for decapsulation and deprocessing and executing chemical analysis workflows.
• Demonstrated chemical safety and laboratory chemical handling competence; able to establish safety controls and procedures.
• Track record of leading teams, driving continuous improvement, and managing laboratory operations.
• Strong problem-solving, technical communication, and stakeholder management skills; able to prepare technical reports.
• Willingness to collaborate across global sites and cross-functional teams; travel up to 25%.
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory and quality processes (specific regulations listed under Education Requirements).

Education Requirements

Graduate of BS Chemistry or MS Chemistry. Must be a PRC-licensed Chemist and maintain a valid PRC Chemist license throughout employment. Familiarity with RA 10657 – Chemistry Profession Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) is required.

About the Company

Company: Microchip

Headquarters: Chandler, Arizona, USA

Microchip is a leading semiconductor company focused on developing innovative solutions to enhance the human experience. With a commitment to empowering innovation, Microchip prioritizes the value of its employees by fostering a culture that supports their growth and contributions.