R&D Process Engineer - Plasma Systems

Overview

The High Frequency Technology Center (HFTC) is seeking an R&D Process Engineer to develop, maintain and optimize manufacturing processes for passive interposer substrates for Keysight's Heterogeneous Integration technology. The role is onsite at Keysight Headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA.

The Process Engineer will own process development and process control to meet quality and production metrics, working in partnership with Design, Integration, Test, Operations, Maintenance, Product and Failure Analysis teams. The Engineer is accountable for yield, cycle time, throughput, and quality of their process.

Process development and sustaining of custom, cutting-edge, micro and nano-fabrication technologies.

Focus on process development, manufacturing sustainability, and R&D support for new product introductions, with specialization in wafer fab processes.

• Deep knowledge of wafer process development in areas such as Dryetch, PVD/sputtering, CVD/PECVD, ashing, or similar vacuum processes.
• Own and advance plasma process performance across etch, CVD, PVD, and/or ashing tools by driving film quality, profiles, uniformity, selectivity, chamber health, defect reduction, and overall process robustness through structured DOEs.
• Collaborate with equipment engineering on tool performance optimization, preventive maintenance strategies, throughput enhancements, and new tool installs or upgrades.
• Drive process control and stability through SPC charting, daily reviews, root cause analysis, and corrective actions using statistical tools (e.g., JMP).
• Work closely with other process, integration, product, and circuit design engineers to define process and performance targets.
• Define process flows, develop new processes and drive continuous process improvement to maximize product yield.
• Report process metrics, root cause investigations, and process change implementations at the department level.
• Ensure successful process handoff to manufacturing partners.
• Work with Operations to implement robust process control and support production processes; diagnose and resolve process problems with urgency.
• Lead capital equipment acquisition projects that include tool evaluation, characterization, process development, and qualification.
• Have broader experience in upstream and downstream processes and the ability to understand process interactions.

• Knowledge of plasma systems such as Dryetch, PVD/sputtering, CVD/PECVD, or similar vacuum processes.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, RF power delivery, gas‑flow control, and chamber hardware configurations.
• Strong problem‑solving skills for measurement anomalies and tool‑drift issues.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE) is required.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields.
• 5+ years of professional, hands‑on experience with development and/or maintaining semiconductor processes and equipment.
• Recent graduates with extensive cleanroom and experimental background will also be considered.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills and 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 and regulations, U.S. persons (including U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees) working for Keysight can access export‑controlled items without authorization. For any individual who is not a U.S. person, Keysight may need authorization from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, or other appropriate federal agency before the individual can access export‑controlled items.

Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or protected individual, having authorization from the U.S. government for export‑controlled items under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

• Medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life, Accident, Disability insurance
• Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Discounts, Perks
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance
• ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.