Gyrotron Engineer (RF/Vacuum Electronics Engineer)

Microwave Power Products, Inc. (MPP), headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a global manufacturer of electronic components and subsystems focused on communications and defense markets. With a heritage of technological excellence spanning decades, MPP serves customers in communications, defense, medical, industrial, and scientific markets by developing and manufacturing hardware used in the generation, amplification, transmission, and reception of microwave signals. As part of the TransDigm (TDG) family, MPP offers the agility of a technically deep manufacturing site backed by the scale and discipline of a global aerospace leader.

About the role

If you enjoy solving difficult engineering problems that result in real hardware, this role offers the opportunity to lead the design and development of high-power gyrotrons. You'll help develop some of the world's highest-power vacuum electronic devices used in advanced defense, scientific, medical, and industrial systems. From initial concept through production, you'll work across research, design, manufacturing, and testing to solve complex engineering challenges and bring innovative products into the hands of customers.

Responsibilities

• Own technically challenging projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Lead the design and development of gyrotrons and related high-power vacuum electronic components and subsystems from concept through production.
• Develop original design concepts, analytical models, hardware, and processes to validate new approaches.
• Plan and execute engineering projects, managing technical scope, schedules, and project budgets.
• Identify technical risks, troubleshoot complex design issues, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and present technical concepts and proposals for new products, technologies, and research initiatives.
• Ensure engineering analyses, designs, and supporting documentation are complete and technically rigorous.
• Partner closely with manufacturing during pilot builds and initial production runs to ensure successful product transition.
• Collaborate with Quality, Purchasing, Production Control, Marketing, Customer Service, and other cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives.
• Develop engineering cost estimates and technical inputs for new products, development programs, and customer proposals.
• Provide technical leadership and direction to engineers and technicians supporting assigned projects.
• Stay current with advances in vacuum electronics, high-voltage systems, RF technologies, and related engineering disciplines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Understanding of vacuum electron devices, high-power microwave systems, or related RF technologies and their testing.
• Working knowledge of high-voltage equipment and safe laboratory practices.
• Experience leading technical projects or owning significant engineering work from concept through implementation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on engineering mindset.
• Ability to communicate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and business teams.
• Experience creating technical documentation, engineering reports, and design analyses.
• Experience with CAD or engineering modeling tools is a plus.

Working Environment

This position is based onsite in Palo Alto, CA and involves work in both engineering laboratories and manufacturing environments. Work may involve high-voltage equipment, elevated temperatures, and production noise. Occasional travel may be required for customer visits, supplier meetings, and industry conferences.

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 positions, 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 Join MPP

• Work on highly specialized vacuum electronic products that few engineers have the opportunity to design.
• Own challenging technical problems from concept through production.
• Collaborate closely with experienced engineers and manufacturing teams in a hands-on environment.
• Contribute to products supporting defense, scientific, medical, industrial, and communications applications.
• Be part of a technically driven organization backed by TransDigm's long-term stability and resources.

Pay

Salary range: $80,000 to $140,000 annually depending on experience, with candidates possessing more years of applicable hands-on experience generally aligning toward the higher end of the range.

Benefits

• Comprehensive 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