Senior FA Engineer

Job Title

Senior FA Engineer

Role Summary

Perform failure analysis (FA) sample preparation and imaging to support root-cause identification for package- and die-level semiconductor issues. Work with precision preparation tools and collaborate with engineering teams to document findings and recommend corrective actions.

Experience Level

Senior — the role expects professional experience; the posting specifies a minimum of 3+ years in a semiconductor manufacturing or R&D environment.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities focus on sample preparation, imaging, analysis, and technique development for electrical and physical failure analysis.

• Prepare samples using chemical processing, die extraction, die polishing, ion polishing, and cross-sectioning.
• Operate precision milling/polishing systems and Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) for site-specific preparation.
• Perform layer-by-layer die polishing and package-level electrical FA (EFA) and die-level physical FA (PFA).
• Use imaging and analytical tools such as SEM/EDX and backside IR to inspect samples.
• Handle wire bonding, repackaging, and other mechanical/sample-handling operations.
• Document analysis results with observations, conclusions, and recommended corrective actions.
• Contribute to development of new FA methods, recipes, and tool evaluation projects.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; nice-to-have items are noted.

• Must-have: 3+ years of experience in a semiconductor manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Must-have: Hands-on experience with a broad range of FA sample-preparation tools and techniques (grinding/polishing, chemical processing, cross-sectioning, SEM/EDX, ion polishing).
• Must-have: Practical knowledge of semiconductor device processing and packaging technologies.
• Nice-to-have: Wafer fab experience and prior work with package-level electrical FA (EFA) workflows.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field.

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.