Manufacturing Process Engineer – Precision Machining
Keysight · Santa Rosa, CA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Process
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 8+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 8 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at Keysight (industrial) in Santa Rosa, CA. You will develop, optimize, and sustain advanced manufacturing processes that achieve micron-level tolerances.
- They ask for
- 8+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, GD&T, Machining, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Process Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $120k–$171k.
Median of the low and high ends of 59 live postings that list pay, out of 94 process engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 93 other live process postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (8+ vs 5+)
Typical $120k–$171k, from 57 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 46%
- DOE 31%
- SPC 29%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 22%
- New product launch 22%
- Team leadership 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for GD&T, Machining, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Keysight
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Keysight in Santa Rosa
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Full description from KeysightAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
As a Manufacturing Process Engineer – Precision Machining within PMTC, you will apply specialized machining expertise and technical leadership to develop new manufacturing capabilities and support ongoing production. Your
responsibilities
may include: Researching and evaluating emerging precision machining technologies, equipment, tooling, and manufacturing methods. Developing, optimizing, and sustaining precision machining processes capable of achieving micron-level tolerances, with a particular focus on milling or turning. Designing and developing tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing solutions. Providing Design for Manufacturing (DFM) expertise during new product development. Collaborating closely with R&D engineers on the design and manufacturability of precision mechanical components and assemblies. Supporting the transition and release of new products and processes into manufacturing. Working directly with machinists, operators, and technicians to provide hands-on engineering support for machining equipment and processes. Independently troubleshooting complex manufacturing and machining process issues, serving as a go-to technical resource within your area of expertise. Performing structured root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective actions. Driving process improvements related to quality, yield, process capability, manufacturability, and productivity. Creating, maintaining, and improving manufacturing documentation, process specifications, and engineering procedures. Leading cross-functional engineering projects and contributing specialized expertise to broader technical problem-solving efforts. Balancing immediate production support needs with longer-term engineering and process-development objectives.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering or applied science discipline. Typically, 8+ years of relevant experience in precision machining, manufacturing engineering, mechanical design, product design, and/or manufacturing process design. Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of precision manufacturing principles. Experience with 3D solid modeling/CAD. Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills, including the ability to independently resolve complex engineering challenges. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within and/or lead diverse, cross-functional teams. Strong organizational and project management skills. Ability to effectively prioritize day-to-day production needs while maintaining progress toward longer-term project and engineering objectives. Specialized machining or manufacturing process expertise, with the ability to serve as a technical resource and guide engineering decisions.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering or applied science discipline. Experience developing and supporting high-precision or micron-level machining processes, particularly milling or turning. Experience working directly with machinists, operators, technicians, manufacturing teams, and product designers. Knowledge of machining process capability, tooling, fixturing, metrology, and manufacturing process optimization. Experience providing Design for Manufacturing (DFM) input and transitioning new designs from development into production. Familiarity with RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave applications. Experience working in a high-mix, technically complex manufacturing environment. ITAR Statement This position requires access to certain goods, software, technology, or technical dat
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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. The Precision Meso-scale Technology Center (PMTC), located on Keysight Technologies’ campus in Santa Rosa, California, provides high-precision mechanical solutions that enable the performance and capabilities of Keysight’s industry-leading electronic measurement equipment. Here, the precision of the parts we make directly influences what our instruments can achieve. As a Manufacturing Process Engineer, you will develop, optimize, and sustain advanced manufacturing processes that achieve micron-level tolerances. You will bring hands-on machining expertise to challenging engineering problems, helping turn complex designs into precision components that can be manufactured reliably and consistently. You will work closely with R&D engineers, machinists, technicians, and manufacturing teams supporting microwave and millimeter-wave applications. In this role, you will influence component and assembly designs, provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) expertise, develop robust machining processes, and guide new designs into production. You will also serve as a technical resource for troubleshooting production challenges, evaluating new machining technologies, and driving improvements in quality and productivity. This onsite role offers the opportunity to see your ideas take shape, from early design discussions to finished parts. It is well suited for an engineer with strong mechanical aptitude, deep practical knowledge of precision machining, particularly milling or turning, and a passion for solving complex manufacturing challenges alongside a collaborative team.
