Failure Analysis (FA) Engineer / Senior Engineer

About the Role

Seeking a Failure Analysis (FA) Engineer / Senior Engineer to support the investigation of hard disk media and head-related defects impacting product yield, reliability, qualification activities and customer returns. You will work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Process Engineering and Quality teams to identify root causes and drive product and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Failure Analysis & Root Cause Investigation

• Conduct failure analysis on media defects affecting product yield, reliability and customer quality.
• Investigate qualification failures, manufacturing excursions and customer returns (RTV).
• Establish root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Correlate defect characteristics with media processes and HDD performance.

Analytical Characterisation

• Perform hands-on analysis using advanced characterisation and failure analysis tools.
• Interpret physical, chemical and surface-related defects to determine failure mechanisms.
• Develop and execute appropriate failure analysis methodologies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Process, Evaluation, Manufacturing and Quality teams on defect investigations.
• Support new product qualification, technology development and risk assessment activities.
• Present investigation findings and recommendations to technical teams and management.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare technical reports summarising findings and improvement actions.
• Maintain failure analysis databases and best practices.
• Support laboratory operations, equipment qualification and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of experience in Failure Analysis, Materials Characterisation, Semiconductor, HDD/Data Storage or related industries.
• Experience conducting independent root cause investigations.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, R&D or customer quality issues will be advantageous.

Skills Required (Must Have)

• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret complex analytical data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Knowledge of thin-film materials, surface characterisation and defect analysis methodologies.
• Strong technical report writing and presentation skills.

Skills Preferred

• Experience with SEM/EDX, AFM, Candela OSA, FIB and Zygo Optical Profilers.
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis and reporting tools.
• Experience in HDD media, semiconductor or advanced materials industries.
• Familiarity with media manufacturing processes, contamination analysis and reliability failure mechanisms.

Working Environment

• Research & Development laboratory environment.
• Cleanroom work may be required.
• Hands-on use of advanced analytical and failure analysis equipment.