Lab Technician, DPA (Destructive Physical Analysis) | EAG Laboratories

Eurofins Scientific is a global leader in analytical testing, operating over 950 labs in 60 countries with 65,000 employees. EAG Laboratories, part of Eurofins, offers advanced services in analytical chemistry, microscopy, surface analysis, and engineering sciences—including failure analysis, product reliability, and ATE testing. We support clients across the product lifecycle, from R&D to manufacturing. Serving diverse industries, EAG delivers expert insights and tailored solutions. Our engineers and scientists collaborate with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver actionable results. We foster a growth mindset, empowering individuals to drive success while meeting evolving technological and business needs.

The DPA Technician performs advanced analysis on integrated circuits, components, relays, connectors, and other electronic devices used in high reliability applications. This role requires a strong engineering mindset, high degree of attention to detail, ability to perform complex procedures, and hands-on proficiency in destructive and non-destructive techniques.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) investigations per MIL-STD methods (e.g., MIL-STD-883, MIL-STD-750, MIL-STD-1580) to identify defects and assess reliability risks.
• Perform advanced analysis using optical/digital microscopy, SEM/EDS, X-ray (2D/real-time), and C-SAM to characterize component construction and detect anomalies.
• Conduct cross-sectioning, de-lidding, chemical/plasma etching, hermeticity testing, and other physical analysis techniques.
• Support test plans for reliability assessments and root cause investigations in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Implement new techniques and bring new tools online to enhance lab capabilities.
• Analyze samples to identify failure initiation sites and construction anomalies.
• Generate detailed technical reports and present findings to internal teams and customers.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (ISO, JEDEC, AEC, IPC) and customer specifications.
• Interact with other technicians and engineers; mentor team members on best practices.
• Maintain adherence to safety protocols, Technology Control Plan, and quality system requirements.
• Protect confidential information and proprietary processes.

This role is located in Irvine, CA. While we are unable to provide relocation assistance, we encourage local candidates to apply.

Work Schedule: Mondays to Fridays: 8:30am-5:30pm (flexible)

This position works with companies that deal with defense-related activities and is subject to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). All considered applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR:

1. U.S. Citizen
2. U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. “Green Card Holder”)
3. Political Asylee or Refugee

Education and Experience:

• AS degree in Electronics or other technical and science fields highly desired.
• 2+ years of direct experience in Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA), Semiconductor or Electronics Failure Analysis roles.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Expertise performing MIL-STD test methods: MIL-STD 883, MIL-STD 750, MIL-STD 1580.
• Knowledge of and handling of electronics, integrated circuits, and components (e.g. resistors, capacitors, transformers, connectors, printed circuit boards, etc.).
• High degree of manual dexterity.
• Meticulous, detail oriented and highly organized.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Hands-on Experience and Expertise:

• Optical and Digital Microscopy
• X-ray (real-time/2D)
• Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (C-SAM)
• De-lidding of Ceramic and Hybrid IC packages
• Chemical Etching (e.g. decapsulation, HF, BOE, delineation)
• Deprocessing and Parallel Lapping
• Plasma Etching (e.g. RIE, ICP, CF4, etc.).
• Glassivation integrity testing
• Cross Sectioning (e.g. metallurgical, mechanical, ion mill)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)
• Wire Bond Pull Testing
• Die Shear Testing
• Fine/Gross Leak Testing
• Particle Impact Noise Detection (PIND)
• Dye Penetrant Testing

Highly Desired Skill and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of other Industry Standards: e.g. ISO, AEC, JEDEC, IPC.
• Device physics, circuits/schematics, IC design.
• Operate electrical Bench test equipment (curve tracers, power supplies, ohm meters, o-scopes).
• Familiarity of semiconductor fabrication and package manufacturing.
• Software: GDS layout, LabView.
• Electronics Failure Analysis techniques and methodology.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer or lab equipment for extended periods (4+ hours).
• Ability to operate a keyboard and other lab equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 80% of the time.
• Ability to communicate clearly and understandably in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in group settings.
• Ability to handle small and fragile devices with tweezers and/or fingers.
• Require close-distance visual acuity with or without correction (glasses, contacts, etc.).
• Must be willing and able to wear PPE such as respirator, hard-hat, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, laboratory coat, and other required devices or equipment.
• Ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in workflow contexts.
• Ability to move equipment or items up to 50 lbs.

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  We will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability or special need, we would like to know how we can better accommodate you.  

Employees are expected to comply with ISO 27001 standard and company requirements for information security.                

Compensation is aligned with market standards for the region and tailored to individual qualifications and experience.

What It’s Like to Work Here:

• Teamwork: Be inspired by your leaders, be encouraged by your teammates and be supported in all parts of your journey working with us.
• Learning & Development: Take on career development programs and goal setting to create big possibilities for your career and life. Develop within the company; be mentored and grown as a leader.
• Diversity & Authenticity: We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Benefits & Perks to Foster Work/Life Balance:

✓ 401k Company Matching

✓ Wellness Program

✓ Volunteer Time off

✓ Education Assistance

✓ Fitness Reimbursement

✓ …and more!

If you enjoy being immersed in technology, tackling problems head-on, finding solutions through teamwork, and taking pride in accomplishments, join EAG's Engineering Services team today!

Eurofins EAG Laboratories is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace environment and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Company that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, genetic information (GINA), disability, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state, or local law.  The Company’s policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer all employment-related matters based on an individual's qualifications, abilities and efforts without regard to protected status. 

#EAGlaboratories

Eurofins USA Material Sciences is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.