R&D Process Engineering Technician – Wafer Fab

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, passion for tackling challenging problems with industry‑first solutions, and a belief that belonging fuels creativity, innovation, and career growth.

The High Frequency Technology Center (HFTC) is seeking an R&D Process Engineering Technician to develop, maintain and optimize manufacturing processes to fabricate passive interposer substrates for Keysight’s Heterogeneous Integration technology. This position is onsite at Keysight Headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA, in a region known for vineyards, redwood forests, rivers, lakes, and coastline.

The Process Technician will assist with process development and process control to meet quality and production metrics. Responsibilities include a combination of R&D and manufacturing in partnership with Design, Integration, Test, Operations, Maintenance, Product, and Failure Analysis teams. The Process Technician works closely with the Process Engineer to deliver on yield, cycle time, throughput, and quality targets. This role involves technical depth in semiconductor processing, autonomous judgment, strong hands‑on aptitude, and effective communication to meet department‑level objectives.

• Develop and maintain wet chemical processes including solvent cleans, acid/base etches, electroplating, and wafer planarization
• Adhere to safe chemical‑handling practices
• Conduct engineering experiments and contribute to designing the experiments
• Review metrology results (thickness, uniformity, surface defects), determine course of action and guide production staff
• Support chemical sequences, etch‑rate characterization, surface conditioning, and tool qualification
• Understand and interpret engineering data and experimental results
• Understand process flow, verify recipes, and transact jobs in MES
• Communicate clearly with other shifts regarding tool and process status
• Train operators and engineers and collaborate cross‑functionally (process, equipment, integration, test, etc.)
• Generate, track, and report technical data to engineering and management
• Leverage Python, Excel macros, and SQL for automated data review and monitoring
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to implement robust process control and support production processes; diagnose and resolve process problems with urgency
• Support capital equipment acquisition projects that include tool evaluation, characterization, process development, and qualification

• High school graduate with strong aptitude in science and math; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in STEM field is highly preferred
• Relevant experience in a cleanroom or high‑tech production floor
• Hands‑on experience with advanced technologies and specific skills in wet chemical processes including solvent cleans, acid/base etches, and safe chemical‑handling practices
• Strong background in wafer cleaning workflows, defect mechanisms, contamination control, and surface condition behavior across chemical and mechanical processes
• Fluent use of computers, Microsoft Office, and other common software tools
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE) is advantageous
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills for cross‑functional interactions
• Strong accountability, self‑initiative and proactive attitude are required for success

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate to Santa Rosa, CA.

This position requires access to certain goods, software, technology, or technical data subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Under these laws, U.S. persons (citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees) working for Keysight can access export‑controlled items without…