Tesla is seeking a highly skilled and experienced engineer specializing in failure analysis to join our Semiconductor Component Supplier Industrialization Engineering team, with a strong focus on microcontrollers (MCUs), embedded processing units, and related technologies. In this role, you will drive comprehensive failure analysis efforts, leveraging expertise in embedded system architectures, circuit debugging, and root cause analysis of MCU-based applications.
Your work will involve in-depth investigations into manufacturing processes, control plans, and D/PFMEAs (Design/Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to enhance the quality and reliability of embedded processing solutions. You will work across a range of semiconductor components, including MCUs, processors, memory interfaces, power management ICs, and supporting discrete components.
In addition to failure analysis, you will play a critical role supporting MCU architectures definition, ensuring optimal system performance, scalability, and integration with other embedded technologies. You will also drive Request for Proposal (RFP) process by evaluating suppliers, assessing technical capabilities, and influencing key design decisions that align with long-term product roadmaps.
Key responsibilities include establishing defect rate baselines, developing targeted improvement plans, and collaborating with cross-functional teams in PCBA design, embedded software, reliability engineering, and system integration. You will engage with semiconductor suppliers to conduct design reviews, lead qualification and characterization efforts, and perform manufacturing audits. Your expertise will be instrumental in optimizing embedded system performance, enhancing manufacturing quality, and driving the successful industrialization of our products.
Responsibilities - Analyze circuits and application requirements to diagnose failures in electronic systems, semiconductor components, and MCU-based architectures
- Perform sensitivity analysis to identify root causes of failures and their impact on embedded processing performance
- Drive physical failure analysis with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve defects, enhance product reliability, and improve semiconductor yield
- Support MCU architecture definition and contribute to the technology roadmap by evaluating emerging trends and optimizing system integration
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement design improvements, preventive measures, and system-level optimizations
- Manage supplier quality initiatives to ensure compliance with specifications, standards, and reliability expectations
- Influence and engage with supplier senior management to drive alignment, quality improvements, and innovation in embedded processing
- Interface with semiconductor suppliers to gather technical data, support failure analysis, and drive improvements in MCU and embedded component design
- Work closely with manufacturing teams to address production issues, optimize test coverage, and improve product quality
- Document findings, recommendations, and solutions to drive continuous improvement in MCU and embedded processing technologies
Requirements - Degree or relevant experience in Electrical Engineering
- Proficiency in circuit analysis tools such as SPICE, MATLAB, or similar software
- Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics, reliability, process qualification, and physical failure analysis across wafer, package, and system levels
- Expertise in MCU architecture and its supporting technologies, including high-power control, real-time processing, memory subsystems, interface protocols, and peripherals such as display controllers, GPUs, power management ICs, and charging/power conversion solutions for EV applications
- Hands-on experience with semiconductor fabrication, backend assembly, wafer testing, and failure analysis of MCUs and related components
- Proven ability to drive physical failure analysis with suppliers and improve manufacturing processes
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to lead multi-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
- Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams
- Ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment and drive technology roadmaps
- Travel (international and domestic) up to 30%
Compensation and Benefits Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
- Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction
- Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
- Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
- Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays
- Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
- Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
- Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
- Tesla Babies program
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts and perks program
Expected Compensation
$85,760 - $197,160/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.