Staff Failure Analysis Engineer

Job Title

Staff Failure Analysis Engineer

Role Summary

Perform package- and die-level failure analysis of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits from customer returns and internal failures. Document findings in formal technical reports and collaborate with QA, reliability, design, test, wafer fab and product teams to determine root cause and corrective actions. Work is performed onsite in a laboratory environment.

Experience Level

Senior level. The posting requires at least 3 years of semiconductor IC failure analysis experience.

Responsibilities

Primary duties and relative focus areas.

• Perform package and die level failure analysis of customer returns and internal failures (approximately 60% of role).
• Prepare and deliver formal failure analysis (FA) reports for customers and internal stakeholders (approx. 15%).
• Work with QA & Reliability, Design, Applications, Wafer Fab, Assembly, Product and Test Engineering on root-cause analysis and resolution (approx. 15%).
• Participate in FA technique development, process improvements, and maintenance/optimization of laboratory tools, supplies and equipment (approx. 10%).

Requirements

Must-have skills, tools and workplace expectations.

• At least 3 years of semiconductor IC failure analysis experience.
• Hands-on operation of FA equipment such as Curve Tracer/Parametric Analyzer, Scanning Acoustic Microscope, SEM/EDX, Photon Emission/Laser Signal Injection Microscope, and microprober.
• Hands-on experience with physical FA processes: chemical decapsulation/deprocessing/staining, mechanical/parallel lapping, mechanical cross-sectioning and polishing.
• Proficient in bench testing and laboratory instrumentation.
• Knowledge of IC fabrication, semiconductor physics, BJT and MOSFET behavior, and basic circuit configurations.
• Strong verbal and written communication, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to coordinate across cross-functional teams.
• Willing and able to work non-traditional hours (e.g., weekends) for time-sensitive customer issues and to work onsite in a laboratory environment.
• Proficient with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with FIB cross-sectioning, circuit edit and ion milling techniques.
• Additional experience in product quality/reliability, test/product engineering, design/validation/characterization, applications, or wafer fab.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Electronics Engineering is required (posting specifies a bachelor’s degree in these fields).

About the Company

Company: Semtech

Headquarters: Camarillo, California, USA

Semtech Corporation is a high-performance semiconductor company providing IoT systems and Cloud connectivity solutions. The company focuses on delivering innovative technology solutions that support a smarter, more connected, and sustainable planet, with a dedication to quality across infrastructure, industrial, and consumer markets.