Engineering Technician - Failure Analysis

Parker Hannifin•Livermore, CA

About The Position

Provides manufacturing and engineering technical support by identifying primarily hardware failure mechanisms down to the component level in power control and peripheral devices associated with electric vehicles. The role includes documenting findings in detailed failure analysis reports and following through with corrective actions for manufacturing and engineering when appropriate. The technician investigates reported product or assembly issues, performs non-destructive testing, follows analysis procedures, and records relevant information in a database. The position may involve working with engineering on design-related issues and coordinating with component engineering on external analysis resources such as SEM or X-ray imaging. It also involves creating test fixtures, maintaining failure analysis equipment, and supporting routine maintenance, calibration, and 5S activities.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent, such as two years of technical training or trade school, with a theoretical understanding of digital, analog, and microprocessor technology.
At least 5 years of directly related experience.
Ability to use hand tools and test equipment effectively.
Ability to read and understand electronic schematic diagrams, determine circuit-block functions, and develop methods to verify circuitry operates as designed.
Demonstrated ability to build, test, and troubleshoot circuitry, including troubleshooting to the component level.
Ability to apply analog and digital electronics theory, electronic circuit principles, and fundamentals of electronics testing procedures.
Ability to modify or build simple designs with little or no assistance.
Knowledge of electronic assembly and packaging methods, and ESD principles and practices.
Ability to independently apply and create test programs in a proprietary control language as required for failure analysis duties.
Familiarity with principles and applications of embedded software-based design and experience with software debugging.
Basic understanding of accepted electronic assembly techniques and ability to work with sheet metal enclosures for test-fixture fabrication.
Understanding of electronic assembly manufacturing procedures, including soldering techniques, assembly hardware installation, PCB fabrication, and final product assembly.
Ability to solder and remove surface-mount components and use a microscope for inspection.
Ability to disassemble equipment using hand tools and power-assist tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and common benchtop tools.
Ability to use an oscilloscope for waveform observation and capture; measure voltage, current, and temperature using a DVM; test semiconductors on curve tracers; and safely use high-current and moderate-voltage power supplies.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for effective interaction with internal and external contacts.
Working knowledge of Microsoft PC software, including spreadsheets, word processing, databases, and presentations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in technical support.
Familiarity with motor-control software.
Familiarity with CAN OPEN communications-based vehicle systems.

Responsibilities

Interpret reported product or assembly issues and perform non-destructive tests to confirm or rule out the reported issue while checking for unrelated anomalies.
Follow analysis procedures and record pertinent information in a database.
Write Failure Analysis Reports using a template to explain the determined root cause of failure.
Work with engineering to analyze and correct potential design-related issues when necessary.
Work with component engineering to identify component-related issues requiring external resources such as SEM or X-ray imaging.
Document troubleshooting and analysis carefully, including a complete photographic record of processes used.
Conceive and assemble test fixtures to support troubleshooting and analysis.
Maintain Failure Analysis department equipment and tools, including routine maintenance, calibration support, and general housekeeping/5S.
Perform other tasks as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive compensation of $30.42 to $50.71 per hour.
Participation in an Annual Incentive Program.
Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
Voluntary optional life, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.
401(k) plan with company matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 5% of pay.
Company-provided defined-contribution retirement plan with an annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
Career development and tuition reimbursement.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability programs.
Adoption assistance.
Care.com membership and financial planning assistance at no cost.
Optional identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness programs at competitive rates.
Paid time off and company-paid holidays.