Failure Analysis Investigation Engineer (Scientist

Failure Analysis Investigation Engineer (Scientist)

We are seeking a Failure Mode Investigation Engineer with a bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related field. In this role, you will investigate product and process failures across electronic assemblies, coatings, polymers, and substrate interfaces. You will combine analytical chemistry, materials characterization, and electrical test methods to determine root cause, support corrective actions, and help prevent recurrence in a regulated R&D and manufacturing environment.

• Conduct failure analysis and support investigations on electronic components, assemblies, and bonded/coated surfaces, addressing issues such as adhesive debonding, corrosion, delamination, electrical opens/shorts, and battery failures.
• Document findings in clear investigation reports with evidence, conclusions, and recommended corrective/preventive actions.
• Characterize failed interfaces and bulk materials using SEM/EDS, FTIR, contact angle, profilometry, cross-section microscopy, and other lab techniques.
• Interpret chemical mechanisms affecting adhesion, curing, oxidation, moisture ingress, and interphase degradation.
• Evaluate surface preparation, primers, epoxies, plasma activation, and coating processes against failure modes.
• Perform electrical diagnostics on failed devices, including continuity, impedance, functional tests, leakage, and signal integrity.
• Correlate electrical failure signatures with physical/materials evidence, such as bond line defects, contamination, and mechanical stress.
• Support design-for-reliability inputs based on observed field and manufacturing failures.
• Collaborate with R&D Engineering, Process, and Quality teams on validation protocols, DOEs, and acceptance criteria.
• Support nonconformance, supplier quality, and customer complaint investigations.
• Present technical findings to engineering and quality teams, maintaining traceability per quality system requirements.

• 1–3 years of experience in failure analysis, materials testing, electronics troubleshooting, or process engineering (internships/co-op experience considered).
• Hands-on experience with at least some of microscopy, spectroscopy, electrical test equipment, or mechanical/adhesion testing.
• Working knowledge of polymers, adhesives, coatings, metals/ceramics, or electronic assembly materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical results to non-specialists.
• Detail-oriented with solid data interpretation and documentation habits.

• Experience in failure analysis, root cause investigation, and CAPA support.
• Proficiency with SEM, EDS, optical microscopy, cross-section analysis, and FTIR.
• Understanding of surface characterization and failure mode investigation.
• Experience with DOE, polymer analysis, and nonconformance investigations.

This role is primarily laboratory-based with typical weekday hours. The role offers some flexibility, as testing may require early or late shifts. The position involves preparing samples for imaging, conducting tests, compiling data, and understanding project needs. This is a new role created to understand the true failure rate of devices, offering exposure to various aspects of failure mode investigations and collaboration with engineering teams.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Germantown, MD.

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $36.06/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation…