Design/Development Engineer

RF Microwave Engineer I/II – Hands-On, Hardware-Focused (Palo Alto, CA)

Work on rare, mission-critical tech - Coupled Cavity Traveling Wave Tubes (CCTWTs) used in defense and advanced communications. This is a hands-on engineering role where you’ll move between design, testing, and manufacturing, working directly with real hardware not just simulations.

What makes this role different:

• Build & improve real RF/microwave devices in production

• Own projects from concept → production

• Work at the intersection of RF, vacuum systems, and advanced manufacturing

• Tight collaboration with manufacturing (not siloed engineering)

We’re looking for Engineer I candidates:

• Mechanical, Electrical, or Physics background

• Hands-on experience (lab, manufacturing, internships, or industry)

• Interest in RF/microwave, vacuum systems, or hardware development

Engineer II candidates (3–5+ years) may also have:

• Experience owning technical projects or major components

• Background in manufacturing, testing, or product development

• Ability to work independently and drive improvements

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Pay: $75K to $110K depending on experience and leveling

Must be a U.S. person (export-controlled technology)

We are hiring at the Engineer I or Engineer II level depending on experience, scope, and demonstrated hands-on capability.

Agency Notice: We do not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from staffing agencies, search firms, or third-party recruiters.

Microwave Power Products, Inc. (MPP), headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a global manufacturer of electronic components and subsystems focused primarily on communications and defense markets. With a heritage of technological excellence that spans decades, MPP develops, manufactures and globally distributes innovative and reliable technology solutions used in the generation, amplification, transmission and reception of microwave signals for commercial and military applications. MPP serves customers in the communications, defense, medical, industrial and scientific markets.

YOUR DAY TO DAY (Role Summary)

This is not a generic engineering role. You’ll work on Coupled Cavity Traveling Wave Tubes (CCTWTs) - highly specialized vacuum electron devices that sit at the intersection of RF engineering, vacuum science, precision manufacturing, and advanced materials. These are mission-critical technologies used in demanding communications and defense environments, where performance, reliability, and precision matter.

At MPP, engineers don’t sit far from production. You’ll be directly involved in design, testing, manufacturing transition, and continuous improvement, working hands-on with real hardware and real systems — not just models and documentation. You get the agility of a focused, technically deep site, backed by the scale and stability of TransDigm, a global aerospace leader.

WHAT YOU'LL DO (Responsibilities)

You’ll support and advance both current production and next-generation CCTWT development.

• Support the production of existing CCTWT devices through process documentation, refinement, and design-for-manufacturing improvements

• Participate in development programs involving mechanical, RF, and vacuum system design and analysis

• Contribute to the concept, design, testing, and validation of new CCTWT products and associated components

• Own technical projects through multiple phases of development, from concept through production transition

• Identify design and process issues, implement corrective actions, and drive cost reduction, yield improvement, and build efficiency

• Work directly with manufacturing during pilot builds and first production runs to ensure smooth engineering-to-production handoff

• Support production through product improvement initiatives, reliability enhancements, and process optimization

• Develop and improve engineering processes and work instructions that enable consistent, high-quality builds

• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program teams to meet technical and business objectives

• Support other related engineering duties as assigned

This role sits at the core of product realization. Your engineering decisions directly impact manufacturability, performance, and reliability.

YOU ARE A STRONG FIT FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU HAVE THESE PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field

• Ability to obtain/maintain a DOD Security Clearance

• Experience in a manufacturing, lab, or production environment (or strong hands-on technical background through internships, research, or applied projects)

• Comfort managing technical projects with increasing independence and accountability

• Hands-on understanding of:

  • RF/microwave principles

  • Vacuum science and vacuum systems

  • Materials (metals, ceramics) and process engineering

  • Manufacturing and build processes

• Familiarity with machining and joining processes such as milling, turning, brazing, and welding

• Experience with (or ability to learn) engineering tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS, Maxwell, or similar platforms

• Strong technical communication skills (written, verbal, and cross-functional)

• A builder mindset: you enjoy solving real problems on real hardware

• High initiative, strong work ethic, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach

This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR). Access to certain controlled information may be limited to individuals who qualify as “U.S. persons” (generally U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals). Non-U.S. persons may still apply; however to be eligible for the role, access to controlled information may require U.S. government authorization.

Applicants must be able to comply with applicable export control requirements. For security clearance position, the candidate must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance as required, holding a security clearance is a plus.

WHY ENGINEERS CHOOSE MPP

• Work on rare, specialized technology that few engineers ever get exposure to

• Real ownership of products.

• Tight integration between engineering and manufacturing

• Hands-on learning in RF, vacuum electronics, materials, and advanced manufacturing

• Long-term technical growth opportunities

• Stability and investment backed by a global aerospace organization, without losing site-level agility

WHAT WE OFFER

Salary of $75K to $110K depending on experience and leveling

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Generous 401(k) match

• Commuter benefits within the Stanford Research Park

• Complimentary EV charging

• Paid time off and holidays

• Training and opportunities for skill development and growth

OUR WORKPLACE COMMITMENT

We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to MPP, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. MPP is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all current and prospective employees, as well as to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone. We celebrate the innovation that diversity creates in the work environment, and we recognize that each employee brings their own unique capabilities, experiences, and perspectives to the organization. It is this variety that adds value to our teams, as well as to our stakeholders. We welcome and encourage applicants to reach their full potential with us.

MPP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.