In the intricate world of semiconductor technology, where devices grow ever smaller and more complex, Amrutha Sampath thrives. An accomplished electrical failure analysis engineer based in Austin, Texas, Amrutha is known for her methodical, data-driven approach to identifying the root causes of electrical failures in integrated circuits. “There’s something deeply satisfying about uncovering the why behind a failure—it’s like solving a high-stakes mystery with science,” she says.

With a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor’s in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from NIT Trichy, Amrutha’s foundation is both broad and deep. Her academic experiences, including research stints at Nanyang Technological University and the Indian Institute of Science, laid the groundwork for her passion. “Those early research opportunities gave me a taste of the investigative nature of this work and showed me how technical rigor can lead to impactful solutions,” she reflects.

Her daily work involves deploying cutting-edge isolation techniques like LADA, SDL, OBIRCH, and LVP to analyze faults invisible to the naked eye. She’s particularly proud of a case involving a stuck-at-reset hard failure, which earned recognition as one of the best papers at the ISTFA conference. “It was a challenge that demanded creative thinking and cross-team collaboration,” she recalls. “We had to step outside standard practices to build a new test methodology that balanced both accuracy and speed.”

Amrutha’s success hinges on her ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders. “Failure analysis isn’t just about finding what went wrong—it’s about communicating that effectively so teams can prevent it from happening again,” she explains. Her metrics for success include time-to-resolution, recurrence prevention, and the clarity of communication across disciplines.

Innovation is central to Amrutha’s approach. She actively evaluates new tools and combines established techniques in novel ways. “We’re constantly pushed to rethink our methods as semiconductor devices evolve. Staying ahead means not just adapting, but inventing new ways to see inside the chip,” she says.

Outside the lab, Amrutha champions diversity and mentorship. Through her involvement with Women in Electronics Failure Analysis and ASM International, she encourages young engineers to enter the field. “Mentoring is my way of giving back and making sure the next generation is even better prepared,” she says.

From leading student volunteer efforts in rural India to refining secure IP analysis for global tech firms, Amrutha blends technical brilliance with a human touch. “Whether it’s a chip or a community, solving problems at the root level is where real change begins.”