Failure Analysis Technician

Job Title: Failure Analysis Technician

Job Description

The Failure Analysis Technician troubleshoots and repairs customer-returned electronic equipment, performing detailed component-level diagnostics, rework, and testing to restore full functionality. This role documents all findings and corrective actions, supports continuous improvement through engineering feedback, and communicates technical information clearly to both internal teams and external customers while working with a high level of independence and technical accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and process customer-returned electronic equipment for repair or exchange.
• Perform detailed component-level diagnostics to identify failures and compare findings with customer-reported issues.
• Execute rework, modifications, updates, and realignments to restore equipment functionality to required specifications.
• Prepare repair estimates and obtain customer approvals when required.
• Validate corrective actions taken during the repair process and document all steps and results clearly.
• Conduct functional testing to ensure repaired equipment meets defined performance specifications.
• Inspect completed repairs for compliance with industry standards and internal workmanship criteria.
• Record failure codes, repair details, and test results accurately on service documentation and in company systems.
• Identify and report product, process, or procedural issues to leadership for further review and action.
• Address service and reliability concerns promptly as they arise during troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Initiate Engineering Action Requests (EAR) to recommend design or process improvements based on failure analysis findings.
• Communicate technical issues, root causes, and corrective actions clearly to internal teams and external customers as needed.
• Provide backup support to the Lead Technician, assisting with workload coverage and technical guidance when required.
• Participate in all other assigned responsibilities that support the service, repair, and continuous improvement functions.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in technical troubleshooting and/or manufacturing/SMT environments.
• Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Technical School Certificate, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of basic electronics principles and circuits.
• Proven component-level troubleshooting skills across a variety of electronic products.
• Excellent soldering skills, including fine-pitch removal and replacement of complex surface mount components.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and related applications.
• Ability to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and electronic schematic diagrams accurately.
• Skilled in the use of common hand tools and electronic test equipment for diagnostics and repair.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear technical documentation and discussions.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making abilities in a technical environment.
• Comfortable operating a personal computer and navigating company systems to document and track work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in surface mount technology (SMT) manufacturing or repair environments.
• Background in customer-returned product analysis and service documentation.
• Ability to clearly explain technical issues and solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience supporting engineering teams with feedback on product and process improvements.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple repair activities simultaneously.
• Attention to detail in documenting failure codes, test results, and corrective actions.

Work Environment

This role operates in an electronics repair and manufacturing environment, involving hands-on work with electronic assemblies, surface-mount components, and test equipment. The Failure Analysis Technician regularly uses soldering tools, common hand tools, and electronic test instruments while working at an electronics workbench or lab station. Work typically requires extended periods of focus on detailed component-level diagnostics, rework, and inspection, as well as frequent use of a personal computer to access drawings, schematics, and company systems. The position involves collaborating with technicians, engineers, and support teams and requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. A professional, safety-conscious approach to handling tools, equipment, and electronic hardware is expected, along with adherence to standard technical and quality procedures.

This is a Permanent position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $79960.00/yr.

HME BENEFITS WILL BE ENTERED

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.