Manufacturing Engineer - Equipment Engineering

Overview

Equipment Engineer in Palo Alto, CA

Full-Time Permanent | Onsite | $80K to $110K

Do you enjoy troubleshooting real equipment instead of spending all day behind a desk? We're looking for an (Electrical Engineer) Equipment Engineer who can bridge the gap between engineering and manufacturing; someone with strong electrical fundamentals who enjoys solving complex hardware problems, improving production equipment, and leading technical projects from concept through commissioning. You'll work on high-voltage power systems, test equipment, controls, instrumentation, and legacy production infrastructure that supports mission-critical RF and microwave products used around the world while also helping us prepare for the next gen systems we're bringing on to move to the future.

If you thrive in hands-on environments, enjoy working alongside technicians, and want to modernize equipment that directly impacts production performance, we'd like to talk with you.

About Microwave Power Products (MPP)

At Microwave Power Products (MPP), we design and manufacture advanced RF and microwave technologies used in defense, aerospace, medical, industrial, and scientific applications worldwide. Our products support some of the most demanding environments and missions on the planet. We combine decades of engineering expertise with a culture focused on technical excellence, continuous improvement, and practical problem solving. We became part of the Trans Digm Group in 2024.

Lead Equipment Reliability and Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, instrumentation, and system-level equipment issues
• Troubleshoot production and test equipment at both the circuit and system level
• Perform root-cause analysis on equipment failures and implement corrective actions
• Support technicians and production teams during critical equipment issues

Modernize and Improve Equipment

• Lead upgrades to aging production and test systems
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, safety, throughput, and maintainability
• Develop technical requirements and specifications for replacement equipment
• Support commissioning, acceptance testing, and implementation of new systems

Drive Technical Projects

• Manage equipment-related projects from concept through deployment
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, technicians, and external vendors
• Review vendor proposals for technical fit, performance, safety, and long-term supportability
• Support capital equipment planning and justification activities

Preserve and Transfer Technical Knowledge

• Document legacy equipment and operating methods
• Develop troubleshooting guides, procedures, and training materials
• Mentor technicians and help build organizational technical capability
• Capture critical knowledge before legacy systems and expertise are lost

Examples Of Systems Supported By This Role Include

• High-voltage power supplies
• Pulse modulators
• PFN systems
• Grid pulse systems
• Mod-anode systems
• Crowbar protection circuits
• Interlock and safety systems
• PLCs and industrial controls
• Instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• RF test equipment
• Klystron test systems
• Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) support equipment
• Magnetron support equipment
• Legacy production and test infrastructure

You do not need prior experience with every system listed above. Strong electrical engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn complex equipment are more important.

You Are Someone Who

• Enjoys solving real-world hardware problems
• Has strong electrical engineering fundamentals
• Is comfortable working directly on equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Can troubleshoot logically under production pressure
• Communicates effectively with technicians, engineers, and leadership
• Balances immediate production needs with long-term reliability improvements
• Can turn technical challenges into practical action plans
• Is curious, resourceful, and willing to learn complex legacy systems

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field
• Experience troubleshooting electrical, electronic, or industrial equipment
• Ability to read and interpret electrical…