Semiconductor Fab Operations Manager

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world‑class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award‑winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry‑first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

The High Frequency Technology Center (HFTC) in Santa Rosa is seeking an exceptional Semiconductor Fab Operations Manager to lead 60+ people org with mixed background of operators, technicians, and shift supervisors. This Manager leads day‑to‑day IC Fab 24/7 operations to deliver high‑quality production and NPI (New Product Introduction) ICs safely, efficiently, and ahead of internal customer demand, as aligned to the HFTC Fab Ops mission statement and business management system (BMS).

The role owns shopfloor execution, shift leadership, KPI performance, operational excellence, and driving a high performing team culture through integrity, accountability, and trust.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own shopfloor performance across all shifts; ensure smooth shift handoffs, clear passdowns, disciplined work selection, and schedule/runplan adherence.
• Drive equipment utilization and downtime minimization through proactive escalation and close partnership with maintenance/engineering.
• Use realtime KPIs to manage production flow and remove bottlenecks; ensure visibility of performance to stakeholders.
• Lead with a zero incident mindset; enforce safety standards and behaviors across all bays and shifts.
• Maintain process discipline (process docs/MES instructions); reduce procedural/handling errors through training, coaching, and standardized work.
• Own and improve factory productivity (e.g., moves/day) and turnaround time (TAT) for priority technologies by utilizing daily/weekly reviews and corrective actions.
• Track and actively reduce WIP age and stuck
  
  WIP % via passdown discipline and data‑driven problem solving.
• Champion LEAN practices and structured Kaizen focused on throughput, quality, and cost.
• Set clear expectations; coach supervisors/technicians to high standards of accountability, teamwork, and growth mindset.
• Build a pyramid training structure; sustain multibay cross training standards to increase flexibility and burst capacity.
• Conduct performance reviews and development plans; recognize contributions that move KPIs and customer outcomes.
• Align routinely with internal customers (Planning, Keysight production line, NCI/NPI teams) on priorities, timelines, and deliverables; escape early to protect TAT and schedule.
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Industrial Engineering, and Data/Analytics to stabilize processes, accelerate qualifications, and simplify operations.
• Operate within the Fab Ops BMS; use dashboards and standardized reviews to run the business and enable fast, transparent decisions.
• Ensure accurate MES/passdown data entry and integrity; leverage analytics to predict constraints and plan staffing/training accordingly.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 5+ years in semiconductor or advanced manufacturing operations; prior shift‑based factory leadership experience and/or 24/7 operations experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated results improving throughput, TaT, and WIP health using KPIs and structured problem solving.
• Working knowledge of compound semiconductor fabs (GaAs/InP), MES/lot tracking systems, SPC, and LEAN/continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership: coaching, performance management, and cross‑functional collaboration across engineering, planning, and maintenance.

Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Santa Rosa, CA Pay Range: MIN $ - MAX $