Principal Failure Analysis Technician

About Global Foundries

Global Foundries is a leading full‑service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, Global Foundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets.

This position is in the Failure Analysis Laboratory in GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ 300mm fab in Malta, New York. The ideal candidate will have a technical understanding in semiconductor failure analysis using sample preparation, imaging, and analytical techniques, and a solid understanding of semiconductor technology and manufacturing.

• Perform advanced failure analysis techniques including TEM sample preparation and imaging, SEM analysis, FIB cross‑sectioning and related techniques, top‑down deprocessing, and chemical operation.
• Execute complex analytical tasks independently, ensuring high‑quality, accurate, and repeatable results.
• Apply advanced problem‑solving to troubleshoot challenging samples, processes, or tool issues.

• Provide flexible cross‑functional support and adapt to changing business priorities, including urgent customer requests and workload shifts.
• Support multiple technologies, products, and sample types to maintain throughput and efficiency.

• Serve as a subject‑matter expert on one or more analytical techniques.
• Troubleshoot tool issues and drive improvements to existing processes and procedures.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance activities of analytical equipment as needed to minimise stand‑by and idle time.
• Contribute to development and refinement of SOPs and BKMs.

• Interact with lab engineers and managers to define analytical methods and meet expectations of analyses and interpretation of results.
• Communicate job status, technical challenges, and results effectively.
• Support cross‑functional teams to resolve complex failure modes.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians.
• Lead or contribute to technical problem‑solving initiatives and team improvements.
• Pre‑actively promote a positive work environment and train new team members.

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve quality, productivity and throughput.
• Participate in continuous improvement (CIP) initiatives and lab optimisation efforts.

• Understand and follow all health, safety, and environmental procedures and requirements.
• Conduct routine analytical jobs using defined and documented procedures meeting or exceeding cycle‑time and quality standard expectations.

• Education:
  
  2‑Year technical/associate’s degree in Science, Math, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Manufacturing or a related discipline, or equivalent military training/experience.
• Significant experience in semiconductor failure analysis or analytical lab environment.
• Strong experience with TEM/SEM sample preparation and analysis; analytical tool operation and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to execute complex tasks independently.
• Fluency in English (written & verbal).
• Ability to perform shift work on a 12‑hour per day schedule.
• Ability to follow work and safety procedures for the laboratory environment.

• Strong understanding of semiconductor device structures and processes.
• Experience supporting high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with high attention to detail.
• Semiconductor process knowledge.
• Advanced experience using SEM, FIB, polishing, chemical etching, TEM sample preparation.
• Direct experience working in an analytical laboratory, preferably related to failure analysis, materials science, inorganic chemistry or semiconductor manufacturing.
• Direct knowledge of one or more analysis methodologies used in failure analysis for state‑of‑the‑art semiconductor manufacturing.

Expected salary range: $58,400.00…