Early Careers Talent - Failure Analysis Engineer
The Failure Analysis Engineer at Confidential Client is responsible for investigating product failures through comprehensive laboratory testing and systematic methodologies to identify root causes and improve product reliability. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, detailed documentation, and mentoring junior engineers, contributing to continuous innovation and process enhancements in HDD technology.
About CareerTakes
CareerTakes is a next-generation AI recruiting platform that connects early-career talent with real roles at established companies across regulated industries.
👉 Important disclosure: CareerTakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our confidential client, Engineering (Data Storage & HDD Manufacturing).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the CareerTakes platform.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct comprehensive laboratory testing and diagnostics on failed components and systems to collect data for failure analysis (microscopy, metrology, surface analysis).
- Develop and execute systematic failure analysis (FA) methodologies and root-cause investigation plans.
- Perform cleanroom handling of HDD components and execute FA protocols using SEM, TOF‑SIMS, Raman, FTIR, and other analytical tools.
- Correlate electrical FA results with mechanical drive behavior and interpret multi-domain test data.
- Summarize test data and formulate evidence-based conclusions; produce clear, detailed technical reports.
- Maintain and calibrate laboratory and metrology equipment; follow documentation and chain-of-custody procedures.
- Identify trends in failure data to recommend preventive measures, process controls, or design changes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, quality, and customer support teams (locally and globally).
- Mentor junior engineers and interns on FA techniques, cleanroom protocols, and lab safety.
- Contribute to automation and process-improvement efforts to increase FA throughput and reproducibility.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory testing, microscopy, and metrology equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to apply systematic problem-solving and root cause analysis methodologies to complex hardware failures.
- Familiarity with electrical failure analysis testing and how electrical findings relate to mechanical/device performance.
- Strong technical writing skills and experience documenting findings in technical reports and databases.
- Comfortable working in a cleanroom environment and following strict contamination-control procedures.
- Ability to evaluate multiple hypotheses, interpret analytical results, and recommend next steps.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills for presenting findings to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Basic understanding of hard disk drives, head/disk interface, and HDD manufacturing/test processes.
- Experience with disk handling tools, metrology instruments, and cleanroom best practices.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques such as SEM, TOF‑SIMS, Raman, and FTIR.
- Experience with electrical FA methodology and interpretation of electrical test data.
- Data analysis skills (statistical analysis, trend identification, failure-mode analysis).
- Experience developing or implementing FA automation, fixtures, or jigs.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated salary (for this posting): approximately $97,947 per year — estimated figure only.
- Compensation may vary by candidate experience, location, shift, internal equity, and other lawful factors. Posted ranges may be specific to certain states (e.g., CA, CO, NY) and may be updated.
- If non‑exempt, eligibility for overtime as required by law; shift differentials may apply depending on assigned shift.
- Eligible roles may be considered for short‑term incentives (bonuses) and, where applicable, long‑term incentive programs (RSUs or cash equivalents) per confidential client policy.
- Typical benefits may include medical/dental/vision, paid time off, retirement/401(k) plans, employee assistance programs, tuition assistance, and other voluntary benefits — actual benefits depend on role and location.
Work Location & Travel
- This role supports remote/telecommute options as indicated; however, failure analysis laboratory work and cleanroom activities require on‑site presence. Candidates should expect a mix of on-site lab work (San Jose/Campbell area) and remote collaboration depending on role assignment.
- Applicant location requirement: United States (candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. for this position).
How We Recruit
- CareerTakes is a third‑party recruiter managing initial screening and candidate matching for this confidential client. Qualified candidates will be contacted for phone/video screening, technical assessments, and on‑site or virtual interviews with the client’s hiring team.
- We use industry-standard best practices for technical hiring, including behavioral and technical interviewing, hands‑on assessments where applicable, and reference checks.
- To request an accommodation to apply or participate in the hiring process, please contact CareerTakes at accommodations@careertakes.ai.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
CareerTakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.