Failure Analysis Principal Technician

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world. Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services. Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds. Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world! SkyWater is hiring a Principal Failure Analysis Technician to perform physical failure analysis (FA) in support of process development, yield improvement, wafer fabrication excursion investigations, and reliability. This role also operates laboratory electrical probe systems and coordinates analysis with external laboratories. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, adaptability to changing priorities, and an appropriate sense of urgency. Major areas of accountability: • Operate optical microscopes, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), and focused ion beam (FIB) systems to produce high-quality analytical data. • Collaborate with engineers to recommend FA approaches and support project objectives. • Apply extensive sample preparation experience to cleave, polish, and delayer samples in accordance with established process specifications. • Operate laboratory electrical probe systems to provide electrical data to reliability and process development teams. • Collaborate with team members to complete analysis requests accurately and promptly. • Prepare and coordinate analysis requests submitted to external laboratories. • Support laboratory equipment maintenance and update operating specifications in collaboration with the team. Required Qualifications: • At least 8 years of relevant experience with an associate degree, or at least 10 years of relevant experience without a degree. • At least 7 years of experience operating highly complex laboratory, manufacturing, or electrical test equipment. • Ability to handle and manipulate small, delicate samples using tweezers under a microscope or inside a chemical fume hood. • U.S. Person Required: SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc. subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applications must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee. • Ability to lift up to 15 pounds once per week and perform work involving standing, walking, reaching, sitting, optical microscopy, and handling small samples. Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are required. • E Shift (M-F, 8am-5pm). Preferred Qualifications: • Extensive experience in a semiconductor wafer fabrication facility or an analytical or research laboratory, along with chemical handling experience. • Extensive experience operating optical microscopes, SEM, and/or FIB systems, as well as setting up and executing automated electrical tests. • Experience leading peer training and developing the technical proficiency of less-experienced technicians. The hourly range for this role is $36.92 - $55.38 per hour. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate. SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well as other employee financial benefits, including 401k match, and life insurance. Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market. SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or . EOE, including disability/vets We will never ask applicants to pay fees, purchase equipment or gift cards, or provide financial information before a formal offer of employment has been accepted. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to represent our company, please verify its authenticity by contacting our recruitment team at before responding.