Silicon Failure Analysis Engineer

Job Title

Silicon Failure Analysis Engineer

Role Summary

Perform hands-on electrical and physical failure analysis, characterization and validation of analog and mixed-signal embedded circuits at the silicon level. Work within a hardware engineering group and collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions to support product launches.

This role focuses on advanced-node silicon failure analysis, methodology development, tool evaluation, and technical reporting.

Experience Level

Senior — typically requires 5+ years of relevant industry experience in silicon failure analysis for advanced technology nodes.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include conducting failure analysis, developing FA methodologies, and communicating findings to engineering teams.

• Perform daily silicon failure analysis activities for advanced technology nodes.
• Develop recipes and methodologies for circuit edit using FIB/PFIB to enable delayering.
• Create and maintain databases for FA tools and workflows.
• Conduct electrical and physical fault isolation using a variety of FA tools.
• Develop comprehensive failure-analysis methodologies for advanced silicon.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing findings and recommended corrective actions.
• Evaluate, qualify, and maintain new FA equipment and techniques.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience required for day-to-day success. Preferred skills listed separately.

• Deep understanding of failure analysis methodology and hands-on proficiency in physical and electrical FA at the silicon level.
• In-depth knowledge of semiconductor devices, IC and PCB design, and advanced fabrication processes.
• Strong expertise in analog and mixed-signal design and debug; transistor device physics and CMOS process understanding.
• Proficiency in silicon device analysis and circuit analysis techniques.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills; ability to work across engineering organizations.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with EFA tools and techniques such as LIT, FIB, SEM, TDR, VNA, SAM/CSAM, curve tracers, oscilloscopes, emission microscopy, nano-probing, laser decapsulation, and sample preparation.
• Expertise in optical and dynamic laser-based fault isolation techniques (PEM, LSM, OBIRCH, DLS/LADA, LVP, LVI).
• Advanced de-processing and e-beam-based characterization experience (EBIRCH, EBAC, EBIC) and nano-probing techniques.
• Familiarity with DFT/ATPG debug isolation techniques, JTAG, ASIC design flows, and basic Linux/scripting.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field plus at least 5+ years of relevant industry experience in silicon failure analysis for advanced technology nodes. Preferred: MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (preferred with ~3+ years of relevant industry FA experience for advanced nodes). "Related field" language included; no specific certifications listed.

About the Company

Company: Apple

Headquarters: Cupertino, California, United States

Apple is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells consumer electronics, software, and online services. Known for its innovative products such as the iPhone, Mac computers, and iPad, Apple emphasizes a strong commitment to high-quality design and user experience.