Failure Analysis Technician

at Knowles Precision Devices in Itasca, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Failure Analysis Technician

Department: Quality

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Itasca, IL

Reporting To: Tom Rybski

Description

Knowles is a market leader and global provider of advanced micro-acoustic microphones and balanced armature speakers, audio solutions, and high-performance capacitors and radio frequency (“RF”) filtering products, serving the MedTech, defense, consumer electronics, electric vehicle, industrial, and communications markets. Our focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, proprietary manufacturing techniques, and global operational expertise, enables us to deliver innovative solutions across multiple applications. Knowles, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, has approximately 7,000 employees at facilities located in 13 countries around the world.

Key Responsibilities

+ Under limited supervision perform failure analysis activities related to the design, manufacture, and reliability of subminiature microphones and receivers.

+ Must be comfortable analyzing all factors of complex problems and presenting concise results to all levels (Root Cause Analysis, 8D or 5 Why).

+ Assignments are varied and require a results-driven approach, must be driven to investigate root cause of failures and work in team environment to determine corrective actions.

+ Candidate must be detail-oriented and willing to work in a fast-paced environment.

+ Interact with functional groups at all levels (manufacturing, sales, marketing, etc.), to address and resolve critical product and customer issues.

+ Actively seek out and utilize technical expertise from within the company and from outside sources to assist in problem solving.

+ Help develop new Failure Analysis procedures and tools then proliferate to the global Failure Analysis team for alignment.

+ Prepare technical failure analysis and root cause reports for internal customers.

+ Communicate suggestions to appropriate R&D, Test Development, Manufacturing, or management team in an effective and appropriate manner.

+ Work with and develop close relationships with internal customers to help solve technical problems.

+ Investigate additional or new technologies to provide better and more complete support to help solve customer issues.

+ Assist in maintaining labs’ 5S methodology (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain).

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

+ Min. Education: Associates Degree in Engineering or Science or relevant Military electronics training.

+ Minimum 1 year of experience in electronic components or assemblies.

+ Strong technical background in mechanics, materials, acoustics, or electronic packaging preferred.

+ Electrical test experience (basic measurements; Voltage, Current, Resistance and Capacitance).

+ SMT Soldering skills.

+ Analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities.

+ Familiarity with Audio Analyzers, Minitab, IC micro-probing and analysis techniques such as SEM, EDX, Raman, TOF-SIMS, FTIR, AFM, XPS, Obirch and FIB is a plus.

+ Excellent oral and written communication skills.

+ Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.

+ Time and project prioritization skills.

+ Software skills including MS Office, Excel, statistical analysis and graphing are required.

+ Extremely organized with respect to lab equipment

Job Description

Knowles is a market leader and global provider of advanced micro-acoustic microphones and balanced armature speakers, audio solutions, and high-performance capacitors and radio frequency (“RF”) filtering products, serving the MedTech, defense, consumer electronics, electric vehicle, industrial, and communications markets. Our focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, proprietary manufacturing techniques, and global operational expertise, enables us to deliver innovative solutions across multiple applications. Knowles, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, has approximately 7,000 employees at facilities located in 13 countries around the world.