Failure Analysis and Materials Engineer II

About Us

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

As a Failure Analysis and Materials Engineer for the Rivian Volkswagen joint venture, you will play a key role in developing the new generations of low voltage electric architectures. The Failure Analysis and Materials Engineer will perform both material qualification, triage level analysis and in-depth investigations.

As a Failure Analysis and Material Engineer focusing on low voltage electronics, you will play a key role in developing vehicle control, connected car, and self-driving products from concept to production phases. Essential responsibilities in this role include:

• Provide subject matter expert guidance to the design team for materials used in low voltage electronics manufacturing: components (packaging, PCB), surface-mount technology (cleaning, coating, solder), enclosure (metals, plastics)
• Contribute to material qualification by suppliers and internal Design of Experiments
• Perform ECU-level analysis of failure and post-test assemblies. Candidate is expected to have a thorough understanding of electrical testing methods and their limitations. Hands-on analysis equipment to be used includes digital multimeter (DMM); power supplies; oscilloscopes; inductance, capacitance and resistance (LCR) meters; insulation resistance (IR) meters;
  HiPot testers; curve tracers/ source-measure units (SMU) and time domain reflectometry (TDR), parametric and signal analyzers.
• Coordinate with external test laboratories for in-depth analyses using non-destructive (CT scan, Shadow Moire, CSAM) and destructive (cross-section) techniques.

Minimum requirement is a Bachelor of Science in an engineering discipline or equivalent. Two or more years of industry experience in a failure analysis and material engineering role. Level of Role depends on experience and qualifications. A strong technical background is needed in the following areas:

• Technical knowledge of one or more aspects related to PCBA reliability: failure modes, reliability specification development, design guidelines, water-cooled electronics, interconnects
• Hands-on experience performing electronics failure analysis or material characterization
• Strongly desired:
  Hands-on experience with the application and use of common FA Lab capabilities including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning acoustic microscopy (CSAM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), radiography, computed tomography (CT), infrared imaging, lock-in thermography, microprobing, microsectional analysis, sample preparation, component disassembly and acid decapsulation.
• Familiarity with common standards used in electronics such as IPC-600/610, AEC-qualification
• Experience working with Contract Manufacturers in Asia and North America
• Understanding of Highly Accelerated Testing methods and governing equations for different types of failure mechanisms.

Salary Range for Irvine, California Based Applicants: $77,800 - $97,300 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Total compensation packages for this position include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.

In addition, our benefits package has been designed to support the health and wellness of our employees. Benefit offerings include Flex Time Off, retirement savings plans as well as medical, vision and dental coverage. For more information on RV Tech’s comprehensive benefits package…