Failure Analysis Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Failure Analysis Technician
Job Description

The Failure Analysis Technician troubleshoots and repairs customer-returned electronic products at the PCB and component level within a manufacturing environment. This role focuses on identifying root causes of failures, performing precise rework, and validating repairs to restore full product functionality. The technician works closely with engineering teams to communicate findings, support continuous improvement, and ensure that repaired products meet all functional and quality specifications.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair customer-returned electronic products at the PCB and component level.
• Perform detailed component-level diagnostics to identify failure modes and determine root causes.
• Execute rework activities, including removal and replacement of SMT components, to correct identified issues.
• Conduct functional testing to verify that repaired products meet defined specifications and performance requirements.
• Validate corrective actions and clearly document repair results, test outcomes, and findings.
• Read and interpret schematics, board layouts, and manufacturing documentation to support accurate troubleshooting and repair.
• Use diagnostic tools and test equipment to isolate faults and confirm proper operation after repair.
• Communicate recurring issues, trends, and significant findings to the engineering team to support product and process improvements.
• Follow established manufacturing and repair processes to maintain consistency, quality, and traceability.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and handle electronic assemblies and components in accordance with appropriate handling practices.

• 5+ years of experience in electronics troubleshooting at the PCB and component level.
• 5+ years of experience working in SMT or electronics manufacturing environments.
• Strong proficiency in PCB and component-level troubleshooting, including isolating and correcting complex faults.
• Hands-on experience with electronics failure analysis beyond system-level testing.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, board layouts, and debug or manufacturing documentation.
• Strong understanding of circuit analysis and basic electronics theory.
• Proficiency using diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and related test equipment.
• Demonstrated experience performing rework on SMT components to restore functionality.
• Strong soldering skills, with the ability to work on fine-pitch components.
• Clear written documentation skills to record repair activities, test results, and corrective actions.

• Fine-pitch SMD soldering experience, including work with complex components.
• Experience repairing customer-returned products and handling RMA (Return Material Authorization) processes.
• Exposure to manufacturing or production repair environments focused on high-quality, repeatable repairs.
• Experience communicating technical findings to engineering or cross-functional teams.
• Comfort working with structured repair workflows and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role operates in a manufacturing and electronics repair environment that supports both first and second shifts. The first shift runs from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the second shift runs from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The technician works at electronics workstations equipped with diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other test equipment used for PCB and component-level analysis. The environment involves handling SMT components and customer-returned products, performing detailed rework, and conducting functional testing to verify product performance. Work is typically performed at a bench or lab station in a structured production setting, following established procedures and documentation standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

The pay range for this position is $27.79 - $37.02/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.