Engineering Intern

At Microwave Power Products (MPP), we design and manufacture advanced RF and microwave technologies that power critical applications in defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, we're proud of our 70+ year history of innovation and precision engineering. In 2024, MPP joined the Trans Digm Group (NYSE: TDG), gaining access to world-class resources while maintaining our high-impact, close-knit culture.

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY

Over the course of 8-12 weeks, you'll take on a hands-on engineering project to redesign, modify, and fabricate a new Hall (magnet) probe used to measure the magnetic field profile of incoming gyrotron magnets. Our existing probe is nearing end of life, and your work will directly enable ongoing production, testing reliability, and system integration within our Gyrotron Business Unit.

This internship blends instrument design, magnetic field measurement, machining/fabrication, and exposure to high-field magnet environments. You'll partner closely with senior engineers to understand system requirements and deliver a fully functional, production-ready prototype.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

* Capstone Project - Hall Probe Redesign & Fabrication

* Redesign, modify, or create a new Hall probe to replace aging equipment used for magnet field profiling.

* Review current probe performance issues and define design requirements with Engineering.

* Develop detailed concepts, mechanical drawings, and fabrication plans.

* Machine, assemble, and test the redesigned probe, ensuring compatibility with gyrotron magnet setups.

* Deliver a functional prototype along with documentation, test data, and recommendations for long-term maintenance or future iterations.

* Engineering Collaboration & Technical Development

* Work closely with senior engineers to understand magnetic measurement methods, probe design constraints, and gyrotron system requirements.

* Participate in brainstorming sessions and design reviews, incorporating feedback into iterative builds.

* Support development of testing methods to validate the new probe's accuracy, repeatability, and durability.

* Additional engineering team tasks as needed.

* Documentation & Build Support

* Create clear engineering documentation, including schematics, models, drawings, fabrication notes, and test results.

* Maintain version control for designs, revisions, and material choices.

* Support integration efforts to ensure the new probe operates successfully within existing gyrotron magnet characterization workflows.

YOUR TAKEAWAYS

* Hands-on experience designing and fabricating an engineering instrument end-to-end.

* Exposure to magnetic field measurement, Hall sensor technologies, and high-field magnet systems.

* Practical experience with machining, assembly, prototyping, and test validation.

* A completed design project with tangible engineering deliverables you can showcase in a portfolio.

* Direct mentorship from experienced engineers working in a specialized, high-precision domain.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Current student or recent graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

* Basic knowledge of magnetics, sensors, or instrumentation (coursework or lab experience acceptable).

* Experience with CAD (Solid Works preferred), machining, or hands-on fabrication.

* Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working through iterative design-build-test cycles.

* Organized, self-directed, and able to communicate engineering decisions clearly.

This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals) due to access to export-controlled technology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE

* On-site at our Palo Alto, CA facility.

* Daily collaboration with engineers and technicians, with exposure to magnet characterization setups and instrument test environments.

* Flexible weekday schedule with flexibility to support testing milestones.

WHAT WE OFFER

* $25 to $33/hour depending on experience.

* Mentorship from experienced engineers and a defined project deliverable to present at the end of your term

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.

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.