RF/mmWave IC Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: RF/mmWave IC Design Manager

Company: Keysight Technologies, Inc.

Location: Böblingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / RF & Microwave IC Design

Date Posted: November 5, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of MMIC engineers focused on advanced RF and mmWave semiconductor solutions.

• Drive technical execution, team leadership, and strategic R&D initiatives across multiple technology platforms including InP, GaAs, GaN, and SiGe.

• Collaborate with Technical Project Managers, product organizations, and external technology partners to deliver high-impact innovations from concept through production.

• Optimize trade-offs between performance, cost, manufacturability, schedule, and scalability for next-generation RF/mmWave products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's focus on "AI, 5G/6G, automotive, and high-performance communications" alongside "next-generation applications" indicates a strategic position within Keysight's innovation roadmap, requiring a manager with both deep technical expertise and forward-looking vision. The emphasis on multiple semiconductor technologies (InP, GaAs, GaN, SiGe) suggests a need for broad understanding and the ability to manage diverse engineering challenges.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of MMIC engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

• Drive the design and development of advanced RF/mmWave integrated circuits (ICs) and semiconductor technologies to meet evolving market demands in AI, 5G/6G, automotive, and communications.

• Collaborate closely with Technical Project Managers to define project scope, establish realistic timelines, manage deliverables, plan budgets, and allocate resources effectively.

• Support the development and enhancement of next-generation device modeling, validation infrastructures, and simulation methodologies crucial for emerging process technologies.

• Strategically optimize design trade-offs to balance high performance, cost-effectiveness, manufacturability, project schedule adherence, and scalability for mass production.

• Continuously improve engineering workflows, design methodologies, and implement advanced design tools to accelerate development cycles and reduce time-to-market for critical ICs.

• Contribute significantly to the long-term technical strategy, innovation roadmaps, and future product architecture planning for Keysight's RF/mmWave portfolio.

• Partner effectively with internal product groups, external fabrication partners (foundries), and packaging vendors to ensure successful product development and smooth transition into high-volume production.

• Mentor and provide technical and professional guidance to engineering team members, supporting their career growth and skill development within the MMIC design domain.

• Clearly and concisely communicate project status, identify technical risks, and present strategic recommendations to various internal stakeholders and senior leadership teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, technical leadership, and strategic planning. The requirement to "Improve engineering workflows, methodologies, and design tools" points towards a focus on operational efficiency and process optimization within the R&D team. Partnership with "fabrication partners, and packaging vendors" indicates a need for strong supply chain and manufacturing liaison skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

• Desired: PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, with a focus on RF/mmWave integrated circuit design or semiconductor physics.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in RF/mmWave circuit design, with a strong track record of successful IC development.

• Proven experience leading complex engineering or R&D projects from initial concept through to successful production release, demonstrating effective project lifecycle management.

• Demonstrated leadership experience, either in a formal management role or as a technical lead, managing, mentoring, and developing technical engineering teams.

• Extensive understanding and practical experience with various MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit) technologies, including but not limited to GaAs (Gallium Arsenide), GaN (Gallium Nitride), InP (Indium Phosphide), or SiGe (Silicon-Germanium).

• Experience managing technical deliverables, critical project timelines, and associated engineering budgets.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering environments. Required Skills:

• RF/mmWave IC Design: Deep expertise in the design of high-frequency circuits, including amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, filters, and power amplifiers for applications up to and beyond 100 GHz.

• Semiconductor Technologies: Comprehensive knowledge of InP, GaAs, GaN, and SiGe processes, their characteristics, design rules, and limitations.

• Engineering Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of highly skilled engineers, driving technical excellence and project success.

• Project Management: Experience in defining project scope, managing timelines, resources, and budgets for complex R&D initiatives.

• Technical Strategy & Roadmapping: Ability to contribute to and influence long-term technical strategy and innovation roadmaps for RF/mmWave product development.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced Device Modeling & Validation: Familiarity with advanced device modeling techniques, simulation environments, and validation infrastructures for novel semiconductor processes.

• RF Measurement & Characterization: Strong understanding of RF measurement methodologies, test equipment, and characterization techniques for high-frequency circuits.

• Foundry & Packaging Collaboration: Experience working closely with semiconductor fabrication houses and external assembly/packaging partners to optimize designs for manufacturability.

• High-Frequency Applications: Experience supporting the development of high-frequency products for specific markets such as AI accelerators, 5G/6G infrastructure and devices, advanced automotive radar, and high-performance communication systems.

• Strategic Technology Planning: Exposure to strategic technology planning processes and the development of product platforms based on emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience combined with a management role strongly suggests this position is for a seasoned leader, not an individual contributor transitioning into management. The emphasis on specific semiconductor technologies (GaAs, GaN, InP, SiGe) is critical and should be a primary focus for candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of IC Design Projects: Demonstrable examples of successfully led RF/mmWave IC design projects from concept to production, highlighting your role and team's contributions.

• Process Optimization Examples: Evidence of contributions to improving engineering workflows, design methodologies, or the implementation of new design tools that enhanced development efficiency or time-to-market.

• Technology Platform Experience: Showcase projects utilizing various semiconductor technologies (GaAs, GaN, InP, SiGe) to illustrate breadth and depth of technical expertise.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Documentation or discussion of how you have successfully collaborated with product management, external foundries, and packaging partners to achieve project goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing MMIC design workflows, including simulation, layout, verification, and handoff processes.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of implementing new methodologies, design tools, or automation scripts to improve design accuracy, efficiency, and reduce manual effort.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Discussion of how design performance is measured, validated against specifications, and analyzed using data from lab measurements and characterization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role, the portfolio should emphasize leadership, strategic impact, and team achievements rather than solely individual design contributions. The focus on process optimization and workflow improvement is key for a manager.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: €120,000 - €170,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in the RF/mmWave semiconductor sector in Germany, considering the experience level (10+ years), the specialized technical domain, and the company's standing as a major technology firm. Regional salary data for Baden-Württemberg and Böblingen, sourced from reputable compensation survey providers and industry salary aggregators, were used to refine this range. The specific salary will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, and interview performance.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Robust medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Generous company-matched pension or retirement savings scheme.

• Paid Time Off: Ample vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual performance-based bonuses.

• Stock Options/Awards: Eligibility for company stock awards or options.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates relocating to Böblingen.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility often available based on project needs and team agreements. Occasional overtime may be required to meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a senior management role in Germany. Benefits are typical for a large, multinational technology company like Keysight.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electronic Measurement and Instrumentation, Semiconductor Test Solutions, Design Enablement. Keysight operates at the forefront of technology, providing critical tools and expertise that enable innovation across a vast spectrum of industries including communications (5G/6G), automotive, aerospace & defense, semiconductor, and AI.

Company Size: Approximately 16,800 employees globally. This large size indicates a stable, well-established organization with extensive resources, diverse career paths, and robust operational processes.

Founded: 1939 (as Hewlett-Packard), spun off as Keysight Technologies in 2014. This long history signifies deep industry expertise, a legacy of innovation, and a strong foundation in engineering excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Keysight Labs MMIC Design team in Böblingen is a specialized R&D unit focused on cutting-edge RF/mmWave integrated circuit technologies.

• The team likely operates within a matrixed structure, reporting to a Director of Engineering or R&D while collaborating closely with Technical Project Managers, Product Divisions, and other Centers of Excellence globally.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving close partnerships with internal product development teams, external fabrication partners (foundries), and packaging vendors to bring innovations from lab to market. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: Emphasizes the use of data from simulations, lab measurements, and market analysis to drive design decisions and technology development.

• Agile R&D Practices: While not explicitly stated, large technology firms often adopt agile or hybrid methodologies for project management to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to evolving market needs.

• Process Optimization: A continuous focus on refining engineering workflows, design tools, and methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance product quality.

Company Website: https://www.keysight.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Keysight's heritage as part of Hewlett-Packard suggests a culture that values innovation, quality, and engineering rigor. The "award-winning culture" mentioned in the job description implies a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Engineering Management position. It requires not only deep technical expertise in RF/mmWave IC design but also proven leadership capabilities in managing teams, projects, and strategic R&D initiatives. The role is pivotal in shaping future product architectures and technology roadmaps.

Reporting Structure: The Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering or Head of Keysight Labs in Europe. They will manage a team of highly skilled MMIC design engineers. Collaboration will extend to Technical Project Managers, Product Line Managers, and potentially senior leadership across different business units.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on Keysight's future revenue and market position by developing the core semiconductor technologies that power next-generation test and measurement solutions. Success directly influences the performance, capabilities, and competitiveness of Keysight's product portfolio in critical growth markets like 5G/6G, AI, and automotive.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level technical leadership roles, such as Director of Engineering, Chief Technologist, or lead architect for major technology platforms.

• Strategic R&D Management: Opportunities to take on broader responsibilities in R&D strategy, portfolio management, and technology investment decisions across Keysight.

• Cross-Functional Business Leadership: Potential to transition into roles with more direct product management or business unit leadership responsibilities, leveraging deep technical understanding.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in niche areas of RF/mmWave technology or expand into adjacent fields like system-level design or advanced packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key leadership opportunity within a critical R&D function. Growth paths are geared towards increasing scope of influence, strategic impact, and leadership responsibility within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Böblingen, Germany, at a Keysight Technologies facility. This is expected to be a modern, professional office and lab environment designed to support cutting-edge engineering and R&D activities.

Office Location(s): Herrenberger Strasse 130, 71034 Böblingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This location is within a significant technology and industrial hub in Germany.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster collaboration among MMIC designers, test engineers, and project managers, likely featuring shared lab spaces, meeting rooms, and open-plan or dedicated team areas.

• Advanced Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software (e.g., Cadence, Keysight ADS), simulation tools, high-frequency test equipment, and potentially advanced fabrication facilities or strong partnerships with foundries.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports, peers in other engineering disciplines, and stakeholders from product management and R&D leadership.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected. Keysight typically offers some flexibility in work hours, allowing for adjustments to accommodate project demands and personal needs, provided that team collaboration and project milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Böblingen location suggests integration into Keysight's European R&D network, implying a sophisticated technical environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical & Behavioral Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions covering your RF/mmWave IC design expertise, leadership philosophy, team management experience, and problem-solving approaches. This may include scenario-based questions.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential team members or peers in related disciplines to assess cultural fit and collaboration style.

• Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical scenario (e.g., how you would approach a specific design challenge or optimize a workflow). This is where your portfolio is crucial.

• Final Interview: Discussions with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, long-term vision, and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership & Impact: For a management role, your portfolio should highlight instances where you led teams to achieve significant technical or process improvements. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Reduced design cycle time by 15%," "Improved team productivity by X%").

• Showcase Process Optimization: Include specific examples of workflow improvements, tool implementations, or methodology changes you've introduced and their measurable impact.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project or initiative, clearly state the objective, your role, the actions taken, the challenges faced, and the results achieved. Use visuals (diagrams, charts) judiciously.

• Tailor to Keysight: Research Keysight's current technology focus areas (AI, 5G/6G, automotive) and try to align your portfolio examples with these areas. Demonstrate an understanding of their business and strategic goals.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio items in detail, answering questions about technical challenges, decision-making processes, and team dynamics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common RF/mmWave design challenges, including trade-offs between performance metrics, managing complex simulations, or troubleshooting design issues.

• Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about team motivation, conflict resolution, performance management, resource allocation, and strategic planning for R&D projects.

• Process Improvement Exercises: Be ready to outline how you would analyze an existing engineering process, identify bottlenecks, and propose solutions for optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and case studies suggests that demonstrating tangible results and strategic thinking through past work is critical for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• EDA Software Suites: Proficiency with industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for IC design, such as Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, Allegro, and Keysight's Advanced Design System (ADS). Experience with other relevant suites like Synopsys or Mentor Graphics may also be valuable.

• Simulation & Modeling Tools: Expertise in electromagnetic (EM) simulators (e.g., HFSS, Momentum, CST), circuit simulators (e.g., SPICE variants), and potentially system-level simulation tools.

• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with tools like Git for managing design files and collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Microsoft Project, or similar for planning, tracking, and reporting on R&D projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools for analyzing simulation results, measurement data, and project performance metrics. This could include MATLAB, Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), or specialized data analysis platforms.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting performance dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal Keysight reporting systems to communicate project status and technical findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how IC designs feed into product development cycles that involve CRM and sales enablement is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Experience in scripting or using automation tools (e.g., Python, TCL) to streamline repetitive design tasks, data processing, or report generation.

• Integration Tools: Familiarity with how different design and simulation tools integrate, or how IC design data is managed and shared across different engineering disciplines and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of industry-standard EDA tools and simulation environments is expected, alongside project management and data analysis capabilities. The ability to drive automation within the design process is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Technical Excellence: A core value driving the pursuit of cutting-edge RF/mmWave technologies and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in semiconductor design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines and with external partners to achieve common goals, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Customer Focus: Understanding that the ultimate goal is to enable customer success through high-performance test and measurement solutions derived from advanced ICs.

• Integrity & Quality: A commitment to ethical conduct, high-quality engineering, and reliable product development.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A drive to optimize processes, workflows, and methodologies to deliver results faster and more effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team operates within a highly integrated R&D environment, requiring close collaboration with product management, hardware engineers, software developers, and test engineers.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing among team members and across departments.

• Partnership Approach: A strong emphasis on building and maintaining effective working relationships with external foundries and packaging vendors, treating them as strategic partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Keysight's culture likely emphasizes engineering rigor, innovation, and a collaborative spirit, consistent with its long history in the test and measurement industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: The fast pace of advancements in AI, 5G/6G, and automotive sectors demands continuous adaptation and innovation in RF/mmWave technologies. Staying ahead requires proactive R&D and skill development.

• Complexity of mmWave Design: Designing at higher frequencies presents significant challenges related to parasitics, signal integrity, power management, and integration, requiring sophisticated design techniques and tools.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment between the IC design team, product divisions, manufacturing partners, and other stakeholders can be complex due to differing priorities and perspectives.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top-tier RF/mmWave IC design talent in a competitive market requires a compelling work environment, challenging projects, and strong leadership.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training programs, workshops, and internal expertise on the latest RF/mmWave technologies, semiconductor processes, and design methodologies.

• Industry Conferences & Publications: Opportunities to attend leading industry conferences (e.g., IMS, EuMW) and contribute to technical publications, fostering professional visibility and knowledge sharing.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in Keysight's internal leadership development initiatives to enhance management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Exposure to Emerging Markets: Involvement in R&D for cutting-edge applications in AI, quantum computing, advanced automotive radar, and next-generation wireless communications, providing exposure to future technology trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to leading-edge R&D in a dynamic technology sector, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading an RF/mmWave IC design team. How do you foster innovation and ensure technical excellence?" (Focus on team motivation, skill development, and driving technical direction.)

• "Walk me through a complex R&D project you managed from concept to production. What were the key challenges, your role, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study showcasing leadership, problem-solving, and process management.)

• "How do you balance the trade-offs between performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability in IC design projects, especially at mmWave frequencies?" (Demonstrate strategic decision-making and understanding of business objectives.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Keysight's role in enabling future technologies like 5G/6G, AI, and automotive?" (Show research into Keysight's mission and products.)

• "How do you ensure your team's work aligns with the broader company strategy and product roadmaps?" (Highlight your understanding of strategic alignment and cross-functional collaboration.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or stakeholders. How did you navigate the situation?" (Prepare an example demonstrating strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each portfolio item, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework. Clearly articulate the problem, your team's role, the specific actions you took as a leader, and the quantifiable results.

• Metrics Focus: Emphasize data and metrics. Quantify improvements in design performance, cycle times, team productivity, cost savings, or successful product launches.

• Process Improvement Highlight: Dedicate a segment to showcasing your ability to optimize workflows, implement new tools, or improve methodologies, detailing the impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with diagrams, charts, and key takeaways. Avoid text-heavy slides. Be prepared to discuss the technical details behind the visuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong technical acumen, effective leadership, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to drive process improvements within an R&D context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this RF/mmWave IC Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Keysight Technologies careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience, RF/mmWave IC design expertise (mentioning specific technologies like GaAs, GaN, InP, SiGe), project management accomplishments, and any experience with process optimization or workflow improvements. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio (e.g., PDF document or presentation slides) that showcases your leadership in IC design projects, process improvement initiatives, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners. Focus on quantifiable achievements and strategic impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Keysight Technologies, its products, its role in enabling key technologies (AI, 5G/6G, automotive), and its stated company values. Understand their competitive landscape and strategic priorities.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on leadership scenarios, technical challenges in RF/mmWave design, and process optimization examples. Prepare to discuss your portfolio items in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.