When manufacturing a product or developing a process, a failure analysis engineer works as part of a design team to determine where the potential for failure lies. A person who works in this field may also work in the field of forensic investigation to figure out what happened and how it happened. As part of his or her job responsibilities, the failure analysis engineer will collect data using a variety of methods, such as obtaining material samples, using a microscope or other laboratory equipment, or reviewing witness statements.
The work of a failure analysis engineer is crucial in the development of new products. Designers must be aware of the risks that come with producing or using a product. These risks can be anticipated and minimized with the help of an engineer, ensuring that the product meets quality standards and is safe to use.
The failure analysis engineer’s work may entail examining a piece of hardware to determine where a breakdown in its structure or function may occur, depending on the type of product or process on which he or she is working. If the engineer is looking at failure as it relates to a manufacturing process, he or she will need to consider factors that could cause it to fail, such as a lack of supplies or a piece of equipment that needs to be repaired.
When working as a forensic failure analysis engineer, the failure analysis engineer will take a different approach to the task. In this case, the analysis entails looking at a previously occurring event and determining the sequence of events that led up to it. As part of this work, the failure analysis engineer may need to perform a physical examination of a machine or device or review maintenance records.
Another aspect of this type of work’s forensic application considers the human factor in the failure event. The failure analysis engineer would have to piece together a picture of what happened based on what witnesses saw and what the participants said. The engineer may come to the conclusion that the loss was caused by human error or a machine component or system malfunction. The investigation may also include attempting to recreate the event in order to determine whether the loss was caused by equipment or human error.