Gyrotron Engineer (RF/Vacuum Electronics Engineer)

Microwave Power Products (MPP); Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Microwave Power Products, Inc. (MPP) in Palo Alto, CA, is seeking an RF/Vacuum Electronics Engineer (Gyrotrons) to lead the design of high-power gyrotrons from concept through production.

You will work across research, design, manufacturing and testing to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver robust hardware. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, stay current with vacuum electronics, high-voltage systems and RF technologies, and contribute to technically rigorous proposals

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in EE/Mech/Physics or related field.
• Understanding of vacuum electron devices and high-power RF tech.
• Experience leading technical projects through concept to production.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate across engineering, manufacturing and business teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of gyrotrons and high-power vacuum components from concept through production.
• Develop concepts, models, hardware and processes to validate new approaches.
• Plan and manage engineering projects with scope, schedules and budgets.
• Identify risks, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical leadership and direction to engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with manufacturing during pilot builds and early production.
• Develop cost estimates and technical inputs for proposals.
• Stay current with advances in vacuum electronics and RF tech.

Skills

Vacuum electronics

High voltage

Project leadership

Analytical skills

Technical communication

Documentation

CAD tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Hiring: Gyrotron Engineer designing high-power vacuum electronic devices from concept through production

RF/Vacuum Electronics Engineer (Gyrotrons)

Location: On-site in Palo Alto, CA

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full-Time

Pay: $80K to $140K

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 serves customers in the 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.

YOUR DAY TO DAY (Why this role is interesting)

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.

WHAT YOU'LL DO (Responsibilities)

• 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.

YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE THESE PREFERRED 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 the testing of the technologies.
• 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