Failure Analysis (FA) Senior Engineer

Job Detail

As a Failure Analysis (FA) Senior Engineer, you will be responsible for investigating hard disk media and head-related defects that impact HDD yield, reliability, product qualification, and customer quality performance. You will perform in-depth failure analysis and root cause investigations using advanced analytical and characterization techniques to identify defect mechanisms and drive corrective actions. Working closely with R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Evaluation, and Quality teams, you will support product development, qualification activities, customer return investigations, and manufacturing improvement initiatives. The role requires strong technical expertise in defect characterization, materials analysis, and problem-solving, with the ability to translate analytical findings into practical recommendations that improve product performance and reliability. Key Responsibilities Conduct failure analysis on media and head-related defects affecting product yield, reliability, qualification activities, and customer quality performance. Perform systematic root cause investigations on qualification failures, manufacturing excursions, customer returns (RTV), and reliability-related issues. Analyse and correlate defect characteristics with manufacturing processes, media properties, and HDD performance to identify failure mechanisms. Perform hands-on characterization and analysis using analytical tools such as SEM/EDX, AFM, Candela OSA, FIB, Zygo Optical Profilers, and other relevant techniques. Interpret physical, chemical, surface, and material defects to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions. Develop and execute appropriate failure analysis methodologies and investigation plans based on business and technical requirements. Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Evaluation, Product Development, and Quality teams to identify and implement preventive and corrective actions. Support new product qualification, technology development, and risk assessment activities through defect analysis and characterization. Prepare technical reports, presentations, and investigation summaries for technical reviews and management reporting. Maintain failure analysis databases, knowledge repositories, and best-practice documentation. Support laboratory operations, equipment qualification, calibration activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. Perform any other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.