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.
Block takes a market-based approach to pay, and pay may vary depending on your location. U.S. locations are categorized into one of four zones based on a cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
To find a location's zone designation, please refer to this resource . If a location of interest is not listed, please speak with a recruiter for additional information.
Zone A:
$180,000 - $270,000 USD
Zone B:
$171,000 - $256,600 USD
Zone C:
$162,000 - $243,000 USD
Zone D:
$153,000 - $229,600 USD
Application Guidelines
Candidates may submit up to 9 active applications within a 60-day period. Reapplications to the same role are accepted 90 days after a previous application has been reviewed.
Use of AI in Our Hiring Process
We may use automated AI tools to evaluate job applications for efficiency and consistency. These tools comply with local regulations, including bias audits, and we handle all personal data in accordance with state and local privacy laws.
Contact us here with hiring practice or data usage questions.
Every benefit we offer is designed with one goal: empowering you to do the best work of your career while building the life you want. Remote work, medical insurance, flexible time off, retirement savings plans, and modern family planning are just some of our offering. Check out our other benefits at Block.
Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) builds technology to increase access to the global economy. Each of our brands unlocks different aspects of the economy for more people. Square makes commerce and financial services accessible to sellers. Cash App is the easy way to spend, send, and store money. Afterpay is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Together, we're helping build a financial system that is open to everyone.