Overview
Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.
Keysight is on 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.
Position Overview
The High Frequency Technology Center (HFTC) Operations Director is responsible for manufacturing and delivering industry-leading, highly differentiated semiconductor components including integrated circuits (ICs), systems-in-package (SiPs), and thin film circuits to enable Keysight's world-leading electronics instrumentation products. This position oversees comprehensive manufacturing operations to support both production delivery and R&D, including new product introductions and new process technology development. The HFTC Operations Director is accountable for safely, rapidly, predictably, and cost-effectively delivering high-quality wafers and chips.
Established over 50 years ago, Keysight's HFTC provides semiconductors that drive Keysight's market leadership and revenue. Located in the beautiful wine country of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, California, HFTC is a world-class semiconductor organization that invents, designs, and manufactures state-of-the-art custom integrated circuits (ICs) to enable the industry's highest-performance test and measurement solutions. HFTC's proprietary indium phosphide (InP) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductor platforms make possible some of the world's highest-speed and highest-frequency Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs). These chips are custom designed to enable instrumentation with unmatched signal fidelity, bandwidth, and dynamic range. Keysight's 50,000 sq. ft. microfabrication facility-paired with deep expertise in IC design, modeling, and advanced compound semiconductor manufacturing-provides a distinct competitive advantage in delivering industry-leading performance.
Responsibilities
Semiconductor Fab Operations Director
Advanced Technology Labs - Keysight Technologies
Keysight is seeking a semiconductor leader with broad and deep operations expertise to manage a complex, high-mix manufacturing environment. Based at Keysight's headquarters in Santa Rosa, California, this role oversees end-to-end operations within and across wafer fabrication, advanced packaging, and thin film technologies.
The ideal candidate brings both semiconductor technology knowledge and strong operational leadership, with a clear emphasis on running a nimble fab with excellence-driving execution, process control, tooling, and output in a 24/7 environment. This high-impact role offers significant visibility, with the opportunity to shape the future of Keysight's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities while playing a critical role as a member of SVP staff in enabling the company's industry-leading test and measurement business as part of a thriving, collaborative, and financially strong organization.
Position reports to the Sr. VP of Keysight's Advanced Technology Laboratories.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Operations Leadership
Oversee full end-to-end manufacturing of all fab operations (semiconductor, advanced packaging, thin film), supporting new technology development through product obsolescence.
Develop and execute long-term strategies for fab capacity, technology roadmap alignment, and capital investment planning.
Oversee 24/7 operations across three fabrication facilities, responsible for manufacturing and testing components that drive a significant portion of Keysight's revenue: IC fab (GaAs and InP based) - wafer fab through chip-level back-end
Advanced packaging fab
Thin Film fab
Manage manufacturing transition to scale and mature technologies from R&D to production
Manage output, inventory, and quality
Plan and manage capital investments and facility maintenance to maximize fab up-time
Team and Resource Management
Lead, grow and develop a diverse team of >200 FTEs
Manage multi-disciplinary workforce spanning production operators and technicians, equipment engineering and maintenance technicians, and operations engineers.
Ensure optimal staffing and resource allocation for 24/7 manufacturing operations.
Strategic Advancement
Continuously rebalance fab capacity and output to match to demand across fab lines to support Keysight's product portfolio.
Operationalize and optimize the introduction of new leading technologies (semiconductor or System-in-Package)
Implement structural changes to enable Keysight's end-to-end development transformation from chip to subsystem
Participate in the definition and support of company-wide strategic initiatives
Performance and Quality Excellence
Track, maintain and drive key performance metrics: safety, quality, delivery, cycle times, yields, and operational efficiency
Implement continuous improvement processes across all manufacturing operations
Ensure compliance with industry standards, government regulations, and internal quality requirements and foster a culture of innovation, accountability and safety
Drive cost optimization while maintaining superior product quality
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work as one with the HFTC R&D and Engineering organization on a strategic and operational basis
Collaborate with the broader manufacturing operations in Keysight (Planning, Supply chain, higher level assembly)
Partner with and support instrument product teams
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Chemical, Materials, or related field) preferred; or equivalent degree with applicable experience
Minimum 15 years of semiconductor/electronics high tech manufacturing experience including lithography, etch, deposition, metrology, and test
Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in semiconductor manufacturing
Proven track record in semiconductor fabrication and test environments
Technical Expertise
Broad understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, tooling, and manufacturing execution systems, particularly IC and advanced packaging
Familiarity with 24/7 manufacturing operations and key performance metrics
Leadership Competencies
Strong analytical, communication skills with demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse technical-operations teams
Experience managing across technical disciplines
Strong track record of driving operational excellence and continuous improvement
Strategic and Business Acumen
Experience with technology development processes and product lifecycle management
Understanding of technology roadmaps and strategic planning
Ability to drive organizational transformation and structural changes
Fluent in manufacturing financials and experience managing costs and budget
Preferred Qualifications
Background in advanced semiconductor and system-in-package (SiP) manufacturing technologies
Experience with Industry 4.0, manufacturing execution systems (MES), statistical process control (SPC), automation, and smart manufacturing
Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing certifications
Experience in high-reliability, high-performance IC manufacturing environments
Advanced degree Engineering (Electrical, Chemical, Materials, or related field)
Location
Santa Rosa - Full-time On-site position; candidates must be local or willing to relocate to Santa Rosa, CA - remote or hybrid modes will not be considered
Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***
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 pay range: MIN $216,880 - MID point $289,170 - MAX $361,470
Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region
This role is eligible for Keysight Pay for Results Bonus Program
US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:
Medical, dental and vision
Health Savings Account
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Life, Accident, Disability insurance
Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
401(k) Plan
Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
Paid Family Leave
Discounts, Perks
Tuition Reimbursement
Adoption Assistance
ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
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