R&D Engineer 5, Software

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

Santa Rosa (CA)

On-site

USD 150,000 - 250,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Keysight Technologies in Santa Rosa, CA is seeking an expert-level R&D Software Engineer to architect, develop, and validate software that controls precision test instruments and automates microcircuit testing. You’ll lead software development across the full lifecycle, interfacing with electrical test engineers and manufacturing to deliver reliable test systems.

The role combines software architecture with hands-on problem solving in lab environments, requiring strong collaboration with R&D and

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Eight or more years of software engineering experience, including developing software that controls hardware or automates tests.
Ability to independently architect and develop software solutions for complex engineering problems and provide technical leadership.
Experience with C#, Java, C++, or another OO language, with C# in Windows environment.
Experience using Visual Studio and source control systems.
Strong problem solving and quantitative data analysis skills; ability to interpret test results.

Responsibilities

Provide software architecture and technical leadership for automated tests for RF and microwave microcircuits and modules.
Partner with electrical test engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams to ensure reliable test software from development through production.
Develop test scripts implementing calibration and measurement algorithms for complex microcircuits during NPI.
Develop software in C# within a Windows-based environment to control advanced measurement hardware.
Create and maintain instrument drivers for reliable communication with test instrumentation.
Support product characterization and manage test data throughout the NPI phase.
Develop, validate, and release code within the Test Executive environment with production goals.
Analyze and troubleshoot software interfaces among test subsystems and DUT.

Skills

Java

C++

Hardware control

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Visual Studio

Source control

Windows environment

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 ~15,000 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.

Bring software and advanced hardware together to help launch Keysight’s next generation of RF and microwave technology. As an R&D Software Engineer, you’ll architect, develop, and validate software that controls precision instruments and automates the testing of complex microcircuits and modules. Working closely with electrical test engineers, you’ll turn measurement and calibration requirements into reliable software that supports products from early prototypes through manufacturing release.

This Expert-level individual contributor role combines software architecture and development with hands‑on problem‑solving in the lab. You’ll take technical ownership of complex test software, develop instrument drivers, resolve interactions between software and hardware, and improve the maintainability and performance of test systems. Collaborating with R&D and manufacturing teams in the U.S. and worldwide, you’ll help establish accurate, repeatable testing for the microcircuits behind Keysight’s measurement products. The position is fully onsite in Santa Rosa, California.

Responsibilities

Provide software architecture and technical leadership for the implementation, integration, and validation of automated tests for RF and microwave microcircuits and modules. Partner with electrical test engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams to influence product testability and deliver reliable test software from early development through production. This role supports the hybrid microcircuits used across Keysight’s signal analyzers, signal sources, and electronic measurement products, working in an environment that values technical competence, teamwork, and integrity.

Lead software development across the full lifecycle, including requirements capture, technical investigation, product and test-system definition, architecture, design, implementation, validation, production release, and maintenance.
Partner with the Test Electrical Engineer (EE) to plan and execute test development, translating electrical measurement and calibration requirements into automated software solutions.
Develop test scripts that implement calibration and measurement algorithms for complex microcircuits and modules during new product introduction (NPI).
Develop software in C# within a Windows‑based environment to control advanced measurement hardware, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
Create, integrate, and maintain instrument drivers that enable reliable communication with and control of test instrumentation.
Provide software‑controlled bias and commands to the device under test (DUT), and implement performance parameters for selected signal paths in collaboration with the Test EE.
Support product characterization and manage test specifications and test data throughout the NPI phase.
Develop, validate, and release code within the Test Executive environment, collaborating with the Test EE to establish and implement production performance test limits.
Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve software interfaces and interactions among test subsystems, instruments, and the DUT.
Verify software operation at hands‑on test stations, working with hardware engineers to isolate and resolve software, hardware, and measurement‑setup issues.
Apply modern software development tools and practices to improve development efficiency, code quality, and release reliability.
Refactor software to improve architecture, maintainability, reusability, and test‑system performance.
Provide technical leadership and support for the design, development, implementation, and transfer of microelectronic products and manufacturing test processes into production.
Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, software, and peer engineering teams in the U.S. and worldwide to support production readiness, resolve issues, and sustain reliable testing across product lines.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Typically, eight or more years of relevant software engineering experience, including developing software that controls hardware, automates tests, or interfaces with electronic systems.
Demonstrated ability to independently architect and develop software solutions for complex engineering problems and provide technical leadership across development, integration, validation, and production release.
Experience with C#, Java, C++, or another object‑oriented programming language, with the ability to develop in C# within a Windows‑based environment.
Experience using Microsoft Visual Studio and source control systems.
Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware, including isolating issues across interfaces and subsystems.
Strong problem‑solving and quantitative data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret test results and validate software behavior.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to translate requirements into practical software solutions and collaborate across engineering disciplines.
Ability to quickly learn new technologies, instruments, and development tools, with a strong interest in hands‑on electronic hardware control.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Experience controlling electronic test instruments, such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators. Experience with Keysight instruments is helpful but not required.
Experience developing instrument drivers, automated measurement sequences, or calibration software.
Experience supporting RF, microwave, or millimeter‑wave hardware testing.
Experience developing and releasing test software for new product introduction or manufacturing environments.
Experience improving software architecture, maintainability, reusability, and test‑system performance.

ITAR Statement

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.

We are unable to support visa sponsorship for this position.

Careers Privacy Statement

Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Pay Transparency

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.

California Range: Minimum $149,850 – Maximum $249,750

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

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits: