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.

Build & improve real RF/microwave devices in production

Own projects from concept → production

Work at the intersection ofRF, 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

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.

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 ofRF 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 indesign, 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 Trans Digm, 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,…