Failure Analysis Engineer

"Making the world a safer and more secure place."

It’s our mission, plain and simple. It drives everything we do – from research to client work to community involvement. And it unifies our global team into an elite force with integrity, fierce passion, and relentless creativity that doesn’t just “push the envelope” or “think outside the box.” We shred the envelope, crush the box, and we have fun doing it. We are always looking for people who share our mission to join us.

About IOActive

IOActive, a trusted partner for Global 1000 enterprises, provides research‑fueled security services across all industries. Our cutting‑edge cybersecurity teams provide highly specialized technical and programmatic services including full‑stack penetration testing, program efficacy assessments, and hardware hacking. IOActive brings a unique attacker’s perspective to every engagement to maximize cybersecurity investments and improve the security posture and operational resiliency of our clients. Founded in 1998, IOActive is headquartered in Seattle with global operations, including state of the art hardware hacking labs in Seattle, WA, Madrid, Spain and Cheltenham, UK.

The Seattle Silicon Lab is responsible for performing high‑end security evaluations and research for our clients focusing on embedded devices. This includes systems which utilize SoCs/ICs using technology nodes between 180nm and 22nm. These chips may be used in automobiles, payment devices, mobile phones, satcom, entertainment consoles and medical devices. We are seeking a Failure Analysis Engineer who will work with other team members to deliver the highest quality results to IOActive’s clients throughout the world.

Who you are

Our experts operate at the very highest level of expertise regarding Integrated Circuit (IC) deprocessing techniques and high‑resolution imaging. This requires expert knowledge and experience in areas such chemical/physical material preparation techniques and electron/ion beam imaging.

What you'll do

• The Failure Analysis Engineer will undertake advanced level imaging and security evaluation tasks and duties to meet customer requirements and project deadlines
• Investigate packaged silicon devices down to transistor level
• Document observations on physical security countermeasures encountered during deprocessing
• Develop and optimize sophisticated, state‑of‑the‑art deprocessing and imaging techniques
• Research evolving deprocessing and imaging techniques, source instrumentation and integrate into an optimized lab workflow
• Support software development efforts in creating tools to assist in reaching project goal
• Communicate complex vulnerabilities to both technical and non‑technical client staff
• Learn, develop and optimize invasive attack techniques for use in data extraction
• Support business development efforts through the scoping of engagements

What you bring

• Strong technical skills with in‑depth fault analysis experience across a wide range of semiconductor and package technology
• Professional communication skills including advanced report and presentation preparation, review and delivery in a collaborative environment
• Safety focused mindset to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently
• Experience coordinating and performing physical delayering and image acquisition utilizing SEM/FIB technology
• Expertise in advanced EFA principles and tooling such as Emission‑based analytical tools, Laser Scanning Microscopy, and imaging tools (3D Xray, CSAM, etc.)
• Demonstrated background in fault localization (ATE, application board, PEM, DLS, OBIRC, thermal, scan, memory)
• Experience conducting physical analysis (mechanical, chemical, PFIB), nanoprobing, and analytical techniques (FIB, SEM, EDX) to isolate and characterize defects.
• Experience with CAD design tools and / or Reverse Engineering Software

What We Offer

A chance to work with an industry leader in cyber security

Access to world‑class technical teams and research

A high‑energy, collaborative team that values innovation

This is a full time in lab role working with some of the brightest minds in cyber security

✈️ Opportunities for travel

Competitive compensation and performance‑based incentives, total comp range $100,000 - $150,000 depending on experience

If this sounds like your kind of challenge, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk!

Why IOActive

We have over 25 years of experience that’s established and stable; yet high‑growth with the energy, passion and dynamic work environment of a startup. We are renowned for our innovation and thought leadership within our high‑profile, cutting edge space. We're one of “the good guys” doing crazy cool stuff to thwart bad guys in a critically important business, social and political arena. Our work is great fun with great importance. Above all else, we value our people and our customers. Relationships matter.

IOActive is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. IOActive makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.