Junior NPI Engineer / Mechatronics Specialist (m/f/d)

Keysight Technologies; Bochum; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Keysight Technologies in Bochum is seeking a Junior NPI Engineer / Mechatronics Specialist to bridge theory and hands-on hardware development. You will own bring-up, verification, and pre-test routines turning early prototypes into production-ready concepts.

This entry-level role targets proactive problem-solvers with a strong technical background who enjoy working with physical hardware, debugging PCAs, and coordinating with international R&D teams to drive quality and rapid learnings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a technical field (Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Physics) or closely related.
• Strong ability to read and debug schematics.
• Hands-on hardware assembly and debug of PCAs.
• Initial exposure to test automation and laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Own bring-up, qualification, and deployment of NPI test environments.
• Prototype assembly and testing, and small-batch production preparation.
• Develop and maintain software-controlled verification and adjustment procedures (C# or C).
• Collaborate with international R&D teams through design reviews and testing.
• Draft technical documentation and work instructions.

Skills

Hands-on hardware

Root-cause analysis

Collaboration

Problem solving

Proactive learner

Education

B.Sc. / B.Eng. in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

C#

C

CAD

Job description

Overview

Keysight 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 about what we do.

Overview

Keysight 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 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.

Join a high-performance team driving cutting-edge measurement devices in the domain of high-speed digital and optical engineering. As a Junior NPI Engineer / Mechatronics Specialist, you will bridge the gap between scientific theory and hands-on hardware development.

This entry-level position is designed for a proactive problem-solver with a strong technical background who wants to lead laboratory operations and drive technical excellence in our Bochum facility. You will take ownership of implementing adjustment, bring-up, verification, and pre-test routines, transforming early prototypes into mature, mass-production-ready products.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will take full ownership of the bring-up, qualification, and deployment of NPI (New Product Introduction) test environments. Your daily tasks will include:

• Hands-on Prototyping & Debugging: Assemble and integrate early prototypes, mechanical assemblies, and product housings. Troubleshoot and debug Printed Circuit Assemblies (PCAs) down to the component level.
• Test Automation & Software Development: Automate validation and test procedures within our in-house, specialized testing platform. Develop, maintain, and optimize software-controlled verification, calibration, and adjustment procedures using C# or C.
• R&D Collaboration & Deployment: Partner closely with international R&D teams throughout the product development lifecycle. Participate in design reviews of key components, prototype evaluations, and support redesign activities.
• Prototype and small series assembly: Initial prototypes should be built to identify mechanical improvements and, if necessary, assembly of small batches in preparation for production ramp-up.
• Station Qualification: Define, order, document, qualify, and stabilize NPI-specific test stations to ensure they are 100% ready for deployment into mass production.
• Engineering Documentation: Create and maintain detailed technical documentation for product assemblies and test stations. Draft step-by-step work instructions and engineering reports.

Qualifications

We are looking for a hands-on hardware enthusiast (tinkerer/hobbyist mindset) who loves working directly with physical hardware, dismantling components, and solving complex technical puzzles, backed by solid academic fundamentals.

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc. / B.Eng.) in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field. (Excellent opportunity for recent graduates / entry-level candidates).
• Schematics Analysis: Solid ability to read, interpret, and debug electronic circuit schematics (Mandatory).
• Hardware Rework: Practical, hands-on experience in the repair, rework, and hardware-level debugging of modern PCAs (Mandatory).
• Programming Skills: Foundational coding proficiency in OOP, ideally C# with a strong willingness to learn automated testing scripts (Mandatory).
• Language Skills: Professional fluency (C1 level or higher) in both German and English is mandatory for local lab management and international collaboration.
• Nice-to-Have Skills: Familiarity with Analog RF engineering, RF measurements (time/frequency domain), communication systems, or basic CAD fundamentals.
• Key Soft Skills: Strong sense of ownership, exceptional root-cause analysis skills, and a collaborative mindset to interact with international, cross-functional teams.