FPGA Failure Analysis Technician
Altera Corporation · Penang 15, Penang, Malaysia ·
- Category
- Hardware
- Experience
- 5+ years
Job Details:
Job Description:
About Altera
Altera is a leading FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) company that delivers programmable hardware, software, and development tools to drive innovation from cloud to edge. With over four decades of experience in programmable logic, our broad portfolio includes FPGAs, CPLDs, IP, SmartNICs, IPUs, and System on Modules—supported by industry-leading tools like the Quartus development suite.
Recently re-established as an independent business, Altera is focused on accelerating programmable compute in AI, networking, communications, industrial, automotive, aerospace/military, and edge-computing domains. Our mission is to provide leadership programmable solutions that are easy to design and deploy, and our vision is to pioneer innovation that unlocks extraordinary possibilities.
About the Role
We are seeking for an FPGA Failure Analysis Technician who will be responsible for carrying out all technical FA activities in support of FPGA device returns from internal or external customers. You will partner across the Altera FPGA Failure Analysis teams in Product Quality Engineering, and work closely with Product Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Supplier Quality Engineers, Customer Quality Engineers, Lab Technicians, and Applications Engineers to identify issue root causes, preventive and corrective measures to improve product quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Supports hands-on technical work include (not limited to) perform device testing on tester/bench, carry out debug experiments, reball machine operation, IV curve tracing, TDR measurement, FA preliminary preparation, and tool troubleshooting.
- Handles Failure Analysis (FA) case activities end-to-end, including data collection and assisting in report preparation
- Manages vendor communication for tool issues, parts, and maintenance coordination, reducing downtime and engineer workload
- Owns daily operations tasks planning in alignment with FA engineers/manager, preventive maintenance planning and ensures lab equipment reliability and uptime.
- Extra-Hours (OT) support may be part of the job as required.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Technical Diploma in Electrical, Electronics, Semiconductor Technology, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor, FPGA, or IC-level electrical failure analysis.
- Strong understanding of semiconductor device fundamentals, electrical characterization, and component-level testing techniques.
- Ability to perform failure analysis investigations, collect data, troubleshoot issues, and document findings with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to root cause investigation.
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present findings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting failure analysis activities for FPGA, SoC, or advanced semiconductor products, preferably Altera FPGA devices.
- Hands-on experience with ATE platforms and debug environments, including ATS07, ATS06, CMT, HDMT, UFP, and bench-level testing.
- Proven hands-on experience operating laboratory equipment such as chip testers, IV curve tracers, C-SAM, TDR, and other diagnostic tools.
- Familiarity with electrical fault isolation techniques, and correlation between electrical and physical findings.
- Experience in laboratory equipment/tester setup, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing and product qualification test methodologies.
- Experience working in a fast-paced product development, validation, or quality engineering environment.