R&D Hardware Engineer

Job Title

R&D Hardware Engineer

Role Summary

Design and develop hardware for high-performance time-domain measurement instruments (oscilloscopes) within a Digital and Photonics R&D team. Work cross-functionally with engineers, scientists, and product teams to take new instrument concepts from block-diagram through prototype and manufacturable product.

The role emphasizes practical invention and development of product-ready hardware rather than narrow academic research.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Candidates with approximately 5–10 years of relevant high-frequency hardware design and product development experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

Primary duties include inventing, designing, and integrating hardware subsystems for next-generation oscilloscopes and measurement instruments.

• Learn and evaluate existing instrument architecture; identify areas for performance and robustness improvements and define subsystem block diagrams.
• Design and implement hardware for optical and electrical frontends, sampling subsystems, and clock recovery/PLL circuits operating in the ~20–200 GHz range.
• Collaborate with R&D hardware and software teams to integrate subsystems into complete instruments and support new product introduction.
• Develop test methodologies, validate performance, and prove manufacturability and robustness of designs.
• Mentor and influence team design direction; document technical work and produce invention disclosures or patents when appropriate.
• Support customers with technical information and occasional on-site visits to assist integration and validation.
• Continuously learn and adapt to changing technologies relevant to measurement instrumentation.

Requirements

Key qualifications and practical capabilities required or strongly preferred.

• Proven high-frequency hardware design skills and ability to lead technical design decisions for complex systems.
• Experience partitioning system block diagrams, defining subsystem specs, and delivering substantial pieces of a hardware system.
• Demonstrated end-to-end hardware designs and implementations with circuits and subsystems operating in the 20–200 GHz range, including test and debugging experience.
• Hands-on ability to set up and use electrical and optical test equipment to acquire sampled signals and verify measurement integrity.
• Strong troubleshooting, quantitative data analysis, and problem-solving skills; good time management and ability to work independently within a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; experience working with multi-functional and global teams.
• Experience integrating designs into volume manufacturing and working with technology partners to define specifications is desirable.
• Nice-to-have: experience with optical components (photodiodes, O/E converters), high-frequency circuit simulation tools (e.g., ADS), PC board/high-frequency media and optical structures, and evidence of developing IP or patents.

Location and eligibility: this is an on-site role in Santa Rosa, California; relocation assistance is available. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Education Requirements

Open to candidates with a BS or MS (typical) in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical field; PhD candidates are also welcome. Equivalent practical experience in high-frequency hardware design is acceptable.

About the Company

Company: Keysight Technologies

Headquarters: Santa Rosa, CA, USA

Keysight Technologies is a global leader in electronic design, simulation, and test and measurement solutions for communications, automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, and industrial markets. The company provides instruments, software, and services to accelerate product development and manufacturing, employing approximately 15,000 people worldwide.