R&D Tech Specialist

is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~16,800 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more 

Our 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.

Join a team at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, enabling the breakthrough technologies that differentiate Keysight's industry-leading design enablement solutions. As a Failure Analysis Technician , you will work hands-on with some of the world's most advanced compound semiconductor ICs and high-performance interconnect technologies that power next-generation RF, microwave, millimeter-wave, and high-speed digital products.

In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring that cutting-edge technologies meet the demanding performance, quality, and lifetime expectations of Keysight customers. You will collaborate closely with device engineers, process technologists, product designers, and manufacturing teams to evaluate, qualify, and continuously improve the technologies that form the foundation of Keysight's product leadership. If you are excited by advanced semiconductor technology, data-driven problem solving, and the challenge of ensuring reliability in products operating at the leading edge of performance, this role offers an opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact.

What You'll Do

• Support engineering teams by performing failure analysis and material characterization on advanced semiconductor devices, packages, interposers, and related technologies.
• Assist engineers and operators with advanced SEM, FIB, and EDX analysis requests, generating high-quality imaging, compositional analysis, and cross-sectional data.
• Perform adhesion characterization using stud-pull testing , scratch testing , and other mechanical evaluation techniques.
• Run AFM topography measurements and surface characterization studies to support process development and failure investigations.
• Conduct non-destructive inspection of devices, packages, and assemblies using X-ray, laser, and white-light interferometry imaging systems.
• Document findings, summarize data, and communicate results to engineers and project teams in a clear and organized manner.
• Support laboratory organization, equipment upkeep, method development, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance failure analysis capabilities.

Qualifications & What Will Help You Succeed

We're looking for a highly motivated technician who enjoys working with advanced analytical equipment and helping engineers solve challenging semiconductor and materials-related problems.

This role is ideal for candidates with a background in materials characterization, microscopy, semiconductor technology, or laboratory analysis who enjoy hands-on technical work and developing expertise across a variety of analytical techniques.

Required Qualifications

This role requires a combination of hands-on laboratory skills, technical aptitude, attention to detail, and strong organizational abilities.

Candidates must have experience in the following areas:

• Familiarity with microscopy techniques, image interpretation, and defect analysis .
• Experience collecting, documenting, and organizing technical data in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to safely and effectively handle delicate devices and small components requiring excellent fine motor skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other tools used for data collection, summary, and reporting.
• Strong observational and troubleshooting skills , with the ability to recognize process issues, equipment anomalies, or unusual failure signatures.
• Ability to follow established procedures while also identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Excellent organizational skills , including maintaining clear records, test logs, and analysis reports.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills that enable productive interaction with engineers, technicians, operators, and cross-functional teams.
• A high level of ownership , accountability, initiative, and self-motivation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced R&D and laboratory environment .

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational or industry background in Materials Science , microscopy, failure analysis, or semiconductor processing, including an Associate’s Degree or similar credential.
• Hands-on operation of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) systems for inspection, imaging, and characterization.
• Fundamental knowledge of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX/EDS) and elemental analysis techniques.
• Experience operating or supporting Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems, including cross-sectioning, sample preparation, or imaging.
• Experience with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) operation and interpretation of topography data.
• Experience preparing and handling semiconductor wafers, die, packages, or coupons.
• Familiarity with White Light Interferometry (WLI), laser microscopy, X-ray, or other non-destructive imaging systems and surface metrology techniques.
• Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes, thin-film deposition, etching, lithography, packaging, or assembly operations.
• Experience working in cleanroom, laboratory, or semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Basic understanding of optics, electron optics, lenses, vacuum systems, and material properties relevant to analytical instrumentation.

What Sets Exceptional Candidates Apart

• Strong hands-on expertise across multiple analytical platforms, including SEM, EDX, FIB, AFM, X-ray, and optical metrology systems .
• The ability to generate high-quality analytical results while maintaining excellent sample handling and preparation practices.
• A natural curiosity about how devices, materials, and structures fail and a passion for uncovering root causes .
• Experience supporting engineers in complex reliability, process development, and failure analysis investigations .
• An eye for detail and a talent for recognizing subtle defects, process excursions, and unusual material behaviors.
• The ability to connect analytical observations with materials, processing, and reliability challenges to accelerate engineering problem-solving.
• A desire to continuously learn new characterization techniques and contribute to the growth of an advanced semiconductor failure analysis laboratory.

This role is ideal for technicians who enjoy combining hands-on laboratory work, advanced analytical instrumentation, materials characterization, and data-driven problem solving to support breakthrough semiconductor technologies. You will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art failure analysis and characterization tools while helping engineers understand device behavior, identify root causes, and accelerate the development of next-generation technologies.

The role will be based at our HQ in Santa Rosa, CA. Candidates must be local or willing to relocate to Santa Rosa area. 

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 (which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees) working for Keysight can access export-controlled items without authorization from the U.S. government. 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. Employment in this position for non-U.S. persons is contingent on Keysight’s ability to obtain any required government authorizations.  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). 

***Keysight 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.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.

Santa Rosa, CA MIN $72,140 - MID $96,180 - MAX $120,230 

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

This role is eligible for Keysight Results Bonus Program 

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

• 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)

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