Failure Analysis Engineering Technician

Cirrus Logic, Inc.; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Edinburgh seeks a Failure Analysis Engineering Technician to perform failure analysis and investigations on mixed-signal ICs. The role involves collaborating with teams, producing technical reports, and working in a lab environment. Candidates should have an HNC or higher in a relevant field and possess strong problem-solving and communication skills. This position promises a great opportunity for career development within an innovative tech environment, emphasizing teamwork and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Comfortable working in a laboratory-based environment.
• Safety conscious with awareness of laboratory procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure on multiple tasks with tight time scales.

Responsibilities

• Perform device level failure analysis to support customer returns.
• Carry out sample inspections and mechanical/chemical deprocessing.
• Produce technical reports to communicate analysis findings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Education

HNC or higher in electronics, engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science

Degree in related discipline

Tools

SEM

FIB

EDX

X-Ray

Job description

For over four decades, Cirrus Logic has been propelled by the top engineers in mixed‑signal processing. Our rockstar team thrives on solving complex challenges with innovative end‑user solutions for the world's top consumer brands. Cirrus Logic is also known for its award‑winning culture, built on a foundation of inclusion and fairness, meaningful community engagement, and delivering enjoyable employee experiences at every turn. But we couldn’t do it without our extraordinary workforce – and that’s where you come in. Join our team and help us continue to make Cirrus Logic an exceptional place to grow your career!

As a Failure Analysis Engineering Technician, you will perform & develop failure analysis techniques to support investigations on mixed signal ICs within Cirrus Logic’s Edinburgh FA lab.

This is a great opportunity for someone to develop their career in one of the most exciting tech companies in Edinburgh. The successful candidate will join a skilled failure analysis team working on a range of jobs including customer returns, product qualification and debug of new‑to‑market products.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform device level failure analysis in a collaborative environment to support customer returns, product qualifications, yield excursions and new product development.
• Carry out sample inspections, package rework, decapsulation, mechanical and chemical deprocessing, cross sectioning, FIB/SEM usage, and TEM/STEM sample preparation.
• Use advanced failure analysis equipment (SEM, FIB, EDX, LSM) within Cirrus Logic’s failure analysis lab.
• Work within cross‑functional teams to determine and understand the root cause of product issues.
• Produce technical reports which effectively communicate the steps taken and data collected during analysis.
• General maintenance and upkeep of lab equipment, consumables & processes.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• HNC, or higher, in electronics, engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science or related discipline.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory‑based environment.
• Safety conscious with an awareness of laboratory maintenance and procedures.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure on multiple tasks with tight and variable time scales.
• Thrives in a team environment.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Degree qualified in electronics, engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science or related discipline.
• Previous failure analysis or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of semiconductor device structure, fabrication & assembly processes (die and package level)
• Understanding of fault isolation methods (visual inspection, thermal imaging, emission microscopy, LSM, circuit tracing – CAD layout)
• Knowledge & hands‑on experience of failure analysis equipment (SEM, X‑Ray, FIB, EDX, optical microscopes, Micro/Nanoprobing)
• Familiarity with physical failure analysis techniques (sample rework, polishing, RIE, chemical & mechanical de‑processing)

This position is based in our Edinburgh office, UK.

You must be based within commutable distance of the work location listed on the job posting, or willing to relocate prior to beginning employment with Cirrus Logic.

Export control restrictions based upon applicable laws and regulations would prohibit candidates who are nationals of certain embargoed countries from working in this position without Cirrus Logic first obtaining an export license. Candidates for this role must be able to access technical data without a requirement for an export license. We are unable to sponsor or obtain export licenses for this role.

At Cirrus Logic, we believe that diversity drives innovation, and we are committed to encouraging an open and collaborative culture where different approaches, ideas, and points of view are respected and valued. We aim to promote a workplace where everyone can contribute irrespective of race, colour, national origin, religion or belief, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy status, or disability.