Failure Analysis Technical Program Manager

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams — People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more — provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.

The Role

We are looking for a dedicated Failure Analysis Technical Program Manager who has a passion for building scalable processes, as well as the hands-on skills to carefully disassemble returned hardware and document their findings. You will set up failure analysis plans, executing those plans including product disassembly, as well as monitoring field returns for new issues on an ongoing basis. You will drive quality investigations that require technical problem solving and data analysis. You will report directly to the Hardware Failure Analysis Lead and also work with the cross-functional team to understand field performance and prioritize new issues. You will work with mechanical and electrical design engineers, quality engineering, product management, data analysis, operations, logistics, and engineering program managers. This role requires hands-on work in our Oakland Hardware Lab, usually at least 2-3 days per week.

You Will

• Own and evolve the end-to-end EFFA program strategy, establishing scalable processes and methodologies that support the hardware organization's growth


• Perform hands-on failure analysis on critical field returns using advanced lab equipment (optical microscope, multimeter, oscilloscope, etc.) and drive strategic corrective actions across production, design, and firmware


• Lead complex, multi-product failure analysis investigations of diverse scope, determining appropriate methods and approaches for issues requiring in-depth evaluation of variable factors and understanding of current business trends


• Supplement hardware failure analysis learnings with telemetry deep dives that reveal potential fleet impacts


• Build prioritization frameworks for failure modes across multiple product lines, balancing severity, incidence, impact, and business objectives


• Lead cross-functional issue reviews and quality forums, providing expert guidance to ensure systematic risk mitigation


• Create technical documentation and executive communications that synthesize warranty trends into strategic insights shaping next-generation design requirements


• Champion adoption of AI tools and data-driven approaches across the quality organization, establishing best practices for their effective use

You Have

• 8+ years experience in quality engineering or quality program management with demonstrated progression in scope and complexity


• Deep expertise in identifying and root causing mechanical and electrical failures in consumer electronics, with ability to evaluate intangible factors and complex trade-offs


• Proven ability to independently establish robust methods, procedures, and processes for new quality programs without established frameworks


• Extensive hands-on experience with hardware lab equipment and advanced failure analysis techniques


• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex technical discourse - understands when to compromise and when to defend critical quality standards


• Track record of creating scalable processes and technical documentation that become organizational standards, with eye toward long-term needs

Preferred

• Familiarity with IEC Safety Standards (IEC 62368) 


• Can read electrical schematics

Technologies We Use and Teach

• Jira


• Looker


• SQL/MySQL


• Google Suite


• Arena

We’re working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all employees and job applicants without regard to identity or any legally protected class. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and "fair chance" ordinances.

We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we’re doing to build a workplace that is fair and square? Check out our I+D page.

While there is no specific deadline to apply for this role, U.S. roles are typically open for an average of 55 days before being filled by a successful candidate. Please refer to the date listed at the top of this job page for when this role was first posted.