R&D Operating Manager (Hardware)

Anite; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Keysight is seeking a senior hardware engineering leader in Santa Rosa, CA to drive end-to-end development of RF/microwave signal generation platforms. You will supervise a team, manage architecture decisions, and coordinate with cross-functional groups to deliver on time and within budget.

The role demands strong technical leadership, deep RF knowledge, and a track record of delivering complex hardware programs in a global environment.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience directing hardware teams or projects.
• Strong background in RF/microwave or high-speed digital hardware.
• Proven ability to define platform-level architectures and trade-offs.
• Experience across full hardware lifecycle from design to productization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with cross-functional teams.
• U.S. Person per ITAR/EAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a hardware engineering team for RF/microwave platforms.
• Own end-to-end hardware development from architecture to production release.
• Drive performance, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with PM, RTL/Firmware, Software, Compliance, and Manufacturing.
• Coach engineers, handle hiring, performance, and succession planning.
• Manage OEM/supplier relationships for hardware builds.
• Support sustaining efforts to improve yields, cost, and quality.
• Report KPIs (schedule, yield, defects, utilization) to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

RF/Microwave Design

System Architecture

Project Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

RF test equipment

PCB design tools

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

• Lead and manage a team of hardware engineers responsible for RF and microwave signal generator platforms.
• Own hardware development operations end-to-end — from architecture and design through validation, production release, and sustaining.
• Drive team performance, capacity planning, and resource allocation across concurrent hardware programs.
• Partner cross-functionally with Program Management, RTL/Firmware, Software, Compliance, and Manufacturing to keep programs on schedule and within budget.
• Coach, develop, and grow engineers; own hiring, performance management, and succession planning for the team.
• Manage OEM/supplier relationships relevant to hardware builds as needed.
• Support sustaining efforts and drive continuous improvement to yields, cost, and quality.
• Track and report on operational KPIs (schedule adherence, yield, defect rate, team utilization) to leadership.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline;
• 8-10+ years relevant hardware engineering experience.
• Hardware design background in either high-speed digital or microwave/RF design.
• Strong system design and architectural design experience for RF/microwave signal generation platforms — able to define and evaluate architecture trade-offs at the platform/product level.
• Demonstrated leadership experience — formal people-management experience is not required; candidates who have led projects, mentored engineers, or informally guided a team will be considered.
• Experience with the full hardware lifecycle: architecture, design, development, and productization.
• Knowledge of signal integrity, EMC design/compliance, PCB stackups and materials, RF/microwave subsystems, and/or embedded platforms as relevant to the product area.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to manage multiple concurrent programs.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills; effective across cross-functional and global teams.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) as defined by U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), due to access to export-controlled technology or data.

Visa Sponsorship is NOT available for this role.

Santa Rosa, CA Pay Range: MIN $163,000 - MAX $275,000.00

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***