Compound Semiconductor Device Characterization Intern

Keysight Technologies SAles Spain SL.; Santa Rosa (CA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Keysight is seeking a Characterization Intern to work hands-on with advanced compound semiconductor ICs powering RF, microwave, and high-speed digital products.

You will collaborate with device engineers to evaluate technologies, apply AI tools, and help improve data-driven characterization and testing processes. This role blends lab work with software automation and data science in a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience with semiconductor devices and measurements.
• Familiarity with AI tools and applying them to automation and testing.
• Basic programming or scripting in Python or MATLAB.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with device engineers in electrical characterization of advanced semiconductor devices.
• Perform transistor and diode measurements using lab equipment and procedures.
• Apply AI-assisted coding to generate compact models and speed up testing.
• Collect, organize, and analyze large electrical datasets for technology development.
• Document procedures, summarize results, and communicate findings clearly.
• Support improvement of characterization methodologies and data-analysis processes.

Skills

Hands-on lab experience

AI tools familiarity

Python/MATLAB programming

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's/PhD/Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering/Physics/Microelectronics

Semiconductor devices coursework

Semiconductor device operation concepts

Tools

SMUs

Oscilloscopes

Parameter analyzers

Probe stations

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.

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.

Responsibilities

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

In this role, you will play a critical part in evaluating cutting-edge technologies to the meet the demanding performance, quality, and lifetime expectations of Keysight customers. You will collaborate closely with device engineers 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 internship offers an opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with device engineers in the electrical characterization and analysis of advanced semiconductor devices used in high-performance RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave applications.
• Perform transistor and diode measurements using laboratory test equipment and established characterization procedures.
• Apply modern software and AI-assisted coding tools to generate compact models and accelerate test automation, data processing, and engineering productivity.
• Assist with collecting, organizing, and analyzing large electrical measurement datasets to support technology development activities.
• Document measurement procedures, summarize findings, and communicate results in a clear and organized manner.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to device characterization methodologies, test infrastructure, and data analysis processes.

Qualifications & What Will Help You Succeed

We’re looking for a highly motivated student who is excited about semiconductor technology and interested in gaining hands‑on experience with advanced device characterization and analysis.

This role is ideal for students pursuing careers in semiconductor devices, microelectronics, electrical engineering, applied physics, or related technical fields. Successful candidates will enjoy combining laboratory work, data analysis, and software tools to better understand semiconductor device behavior.

Required Qualifications

This internship requires a combination of technical curiosity, analytical thinking, and a desire to learn.

• Currently pursuing a Master’s, Ph.D., or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Engineering Physics, Microelectronics, or a related technical field.
• Coursework in semiconductor devices or semiconductor physics.
• Basic understanding of semiconductor device operation and characteristics, including concepts such as transistors, diodes, current‑voltage behavior, and device performance.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with semiconductor devices, electronic measurements, or related experimental work through coursework, research, internships, or project experience.
• Familiarity with modern AI tools and an interest in applying them to automation, testing, or engineering workflows.
• Basic programming or scripting experience using languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a technical team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor device testing or electrical characterization.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as source‑measure units (SMUs), parameter analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, probe stations, or related equipment.
• Experience processing, visualizing, or analyzing large datasets.
• Coursework or project experience involving RF, microwave, or high‑frequency electronics.
• Familiarity with microwave engineering concepts and device performance metrics.
• Exposure to semiconductor modeling tools such as ADS, IC‑CAP, or similar modeling and characterization software.
• Exposure to advanced semiconductor technologies, fabrication processes, or materials characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of III‑V semiconductor devices, compound semiconductors, or high‑frequency transistor technologies.

What Sets Exceptional Candidates Apart

• A genuine curiosity about how semiconductor devices work and how their performance can be measured and understood.
• The ability to combine experimental measurements, data analysis, and software tools to solve engineering problems.
• Interest in applying AI‑assisted tools to accelerate engineering productivity and data analysis.
• Comfort working with large datasets and extracting meaningful insights from complex measurement results.
• A willingness to learn new technologies, tools, and characterization techniques.
• Enthusiasm for working on technologies at the forefront of RF, microwave, millimeter‑wave, and compound semiconductor performance.

This role is ideal for students who enjoy combining hands‑on laboratory work, semiconductor device analysis, data science, and software automation to advance the understanding of next‑generation technologies. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers, gain exposure to advanced semiconductor characterization techniques, and contribute directly to technology development projects that support Keysight’s industry‑leading measurement solutions.

Bachelors-$35.94-$38.70

Masters-$43.27-$46.60

PhD- $52.89-$56.96

Based on experience, education and skills, most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed above.

Keysight Internship Program Requirements

Candidates who wish to be considered must be enrolled in a accredited college/university as of September 2027. Applicants who have graduated before September 2027 will not be considered unless they are starting a MS or PHD program after graduating.

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).

Careers Privacy Statement 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.