Sr. Technician - Microelectronics Failure Analysis

About GlobalFoundries:

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Summary of Role:

GlobalFoundries Fab 9 is seeking a Sr. Technician - Microelectronics Failure Analysis with expertise in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to join our advanced analytical laboratory in Essex Junction, Vermont. This hands‑on role supports high‑volume semiconductor manufacturing, yield learning, and root‑cause determination through detailed physical failure analysis at the device and process level. This SEM technician is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, serve as a technical expert for SEM‑based analysis, and actively contribute to analytical method development, tool ownership, and mentoring within the lab.

Essential Responsibilities 

• Independently execute complex, routine and non‑routine SEM‑based failure analysis, from wafer level through final interpretation, in support of yield, reliability, and manufacturing investigations as well as process optimization and technology development 

• Perform advanced sample preparation for SEM analysis, including precision mechanical cleaving, mechanical polishing (cross-section and planview), and FIB‑based site‑specific milling 

• Select and optimize SEM imaging conditions (e.g., voltage, current, detector selection, contrast mechanisms) to resolve subtle or ambiguous failure signatures 

• Interpret SEM results in the context of device structures, materials, and semiconductor process flows 

• Work with failure analysis engineers to help define optimal sample prep and analytical strategies  

• Develop, improve, and standardize SEM operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, and training documentation 

• Ensure thorough documentation of analytical results, imaging data, and tool status in lab reporting systems 

• Train and mentor junior technicians, sharing best practices in SEM operation, interpretation, and data quality 

• Promote strong safety, compliance, and continuous‑improvement culture in the lab environment 

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs
• Other duties as assigned by manager / supervisor

Required Qualifications 

• Education - associate's degree (2‑year technical degree) in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Electronics, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Math or a related discipline OR equivalent military technical training 
• Experience - minimum 4 years of relevant technical experience

• Ability to clearly communicate technical findings to engineers and lab leadership 

• Fluency in English (both written and verbal) 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to periodically lift up to 30 pounds to support preventive maintenance and tool sustainment activities 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Hands‑on experience with SEM in a semiconductor failure analysis or process‑support role 

• Experience acting as SEM tool owner, lead technician, or primary technical contact for SEM platforms 

• Demonstrated ability to independently perform SEM analysis and associated sample preparation, including mechanical cleaving and/or cross‑section preparation 

• Experience supporting high‑volume manufacturing fabs and fast‑turn-around root‑cause investigations 

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. 

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations. 

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory. 

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law