Junior NPI Engineer / Mechatronics Specialist (m/f/d)

About this role

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.

Join a high-performance team driving cutting-edge measurement devices in the domain of high-speed digital and optical engineering. As a Junior NPI Engineer / Mechatronics Specialist, you will bridge the gap between scientific theory and hands-on hardware development.

This entry-level position is designed for a proactive problem-solver with a strong technical background who wants to lead laboratory operations and drive technical excellence in our Bochum facility. You will take ownership of implementing adjustment, bring-up, verification, and pre-test routines, transforming early prototypes into mature, mass-production-ready products.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will take full ownership of the bring-up, qualification, and deployment of NPI (New Product Introduction) test environments. Your daily tasks will include:

• Hands-on Prototyping & Debugging: Assemble and integrate early prototypes, mechanical assemblies, and product housings. Troubleshoot and debug Printed Circuit Assemblies (PCAs) down to the component level.
• Test Automation & Software Development: Automate validation and test procedures within our in-house, specialized testing platform. Develop, maintain, and optimize software-controlled verification, calibration, and adjustment procedures using C# or C.
• R&D Collaboration & Deployment: Partner closely with international R&D teams throughout the product development lifecycle. Participate in design reviews of key components, prototype evaluations, and support redesign activities.
• Prototype and small series assembly: Initial prototypes should be built to identify mechanical improvements and, if necessary, assembly of small batches in preparation for production ramp-up.
• Station Qualification: Define, order, document, qualify, and stabilize NPI-specific test stations to ensure they are 100% ready for deployment into mass production.
• Engineering Documentation: Create and maintain detailed technical documentation for product assemblies and test stations. Draft step-by-step work instructions and engineering reports.

Qualifications

We are looking for a hands-on hardware enthusiast (tinkerer/hobbyist mindset) who loves working directly with physical hardware, dismantling components, and solving complex technical puzzles, backed by solid academic fundamentals.

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc. / B.Eng.) in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field. (Excellent opportunity for recent graduates / entry-level candidates).
• Schematics Analysis: Solid ability to read, interpret, and debug electronic circuit schematics (Mandatory).
• Hardware Rework: Practical, hands-on experience in the repair, rework, and hardware-level debugging of modern PCAs (Mandatory).
• Programming Skills: Foundational coding proficiency in OOP, ideally C# with a strong willingness to learn automated testing scripts (Mandatory).
• Language Skills: Professional fluency (C1 level or higher) in both German and English is mandatory for local lab management and international collaboration.
• Nice-to-Have Skills: Familiarity with Analog RF engineering, RF measurements (time/frequency domain), communication systems, or basic CAD fundamentals.
• Key Soft Skills: Strong sense of ownership, exceptional root-cause analysis skills, and a collaborative mindset to interact with international, cross-functional teams.