Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer (HPM)

ThinKom Solutions; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401k Matching (4%)

PTO & Holidays

Bonus Plan

Job summary

ThinKom Solutions in Hawthorne, CA seeks a Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer (HPM) to architect, develop, and test High Power Microwave systems for defense applications. You will lead full engineering lifecycle from design to verification, collaborating with cross-functional teams and defense customers.

The role requires 2+ years in systems engineering of HPM/RF platforms, proficiency with Python and RF simulation tools, and hands-on lab experience with VNA and spectrum analyzers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM field.
• 2+ years of hands-on systems engineering in HPM/RF platforms.
• Experience with simulation tools such as Python, COMSOL, CST, or HFSS.
• Experience testing hardware with RF lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture, component breakdown, and interfaces for HPM systems.
• Drive requirements flow-down, traceability, and lifecycle concepts from design to production.
• Evaluate COTS/custom components using RF lab equipment (VNA, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers).
• Lead requirements working groups with defense customers and present design reviews.
• Collaborate across programs and teams to ensure on-time delivery.
• Refine testing, monitoring, and performance analysis frameworks.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Physics/EE

Tools

Python

COMSOL Multiphysics

CST Microwave Studio

Ansys HFSS

Vector Network Analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Job description

Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer (HPM)

Build the Future of High-Performance Connectivity

At ThinKom, we don't just build antennas - we design high-performance, next-generation mechanical systems that connect the world across air, land, sea, and space. From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our technology operates in some of the world's most demanding environments.

We're looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer who loves hands-on engineering, thrives on solving hard hardware problems, and wants to see their designs go from napkin sketch to physical deployment. If you're ready to lead critical programs, mentor rising talent, and push the limits of advanced satellite communications, this is your platform.

Position Summary

As a Physics & Hardware Systems Engineer (HPM), you will play a technical leadership role focused on architecting, developing, and testing High Power Microwave (HPM) systems for defense applications. Leading the full engineering lifecycle—from architectural layout and requirements breakdown to component selection, physics/RF modeling, and hands-on laboratory testing. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing system requirements and traceability, running simulation models (COMSOL, CST, HFSS, Python), and conducting hands-on validation using RF equipment like VNAs and spectrum analyzers.

This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative, high-performance systems that require creative engineering solutions, and a commitment to quality and reliability in demanding operating environments.

What You’ll Do

• System Architecture & Design: Lead the architectural layout, component breakdown, and interface definition for complex HPM systems to meet high-performance, reliability, and security standards.
• Requirements & Lifecycle Management: Drive requirements flow-down, traceability, and operational concepts from conceptual design through integration, verification testing, and production.
• Hands-on Integration & Testing: Evaluate COTS/custom system components using specialized RF lab equipment (Vector Network Analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Customer & Subcontractor Engagement: Lead requirements working groups, collaborate with defense customers, and present technical design reviews (IDRs/PDRs/CDRs).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support multiple active programs simultaneously, partnering closely with Program Managers and engineering teams to ensure on-time delivery.
• Continuous Improvement: Refine testing, monitoring, and performance analysis frameworks to elevate system engineering practices across the company.

What You Bring

Must-Haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
• Experience: 2+ years of hands-on experience in systems engineering with a proven track record in architecting, developing, and validating High Power Microwave (HPM) systems or RF/Directed Energy platforms.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of major HPM system components and experience using simulation tools such as Python, COMSOL Multiphysics, CST Microwave Studio, or Ansys HFSS.
• Lab Equipment: Experience testing hardware with Vector Network Analyzers, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
• Clearance & Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required (per U.S. Government contract regulations) with an active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Nice-to-Haves (Preferred Experience)

• Prior experience on DoD contracts and familiarity with defense acquisition processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a track record of presenting complex technical concepts to internal teams, suppliers, and external customers.
• Experience working on directed energy, RF, microwave, or advanced defense technologies.
• Problem-solver mindset capable of managing shifting priorities across dynamic projects.

What Success Looks Like Here

• You will think at the system level while understanding the technical details.
• Build strong relationships across engineering disciplines and with customers.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical teams.
• Anticipate integration challenges early and develop practical solutions.
• Take ownership of system performance from architecture through verification.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to lift or move prototype equipment up to 50 lbs on occasion.
• Comfortable working near testing setups that may involve elevated noise levels, chemicals, or electromagnetic energy.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% for vendor visits, customer reviews, or off-site testing.

Why Join ThinKom?

At ThinKom, you'll help develop innovative technologies that enable critical communications and advanced electromagnetic systems for Commercial Inflight Connectivity (IFC), High-Power Microwave (HPM), and Gateway & Defense SATCOM applications. You'll work alongside highly skilled engineers on technically challenging programs, influence product direction, and contribute to solutions that perform in some of the world's most demanding environments.

We foster a collaborative culture that values innovation, technical excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth. If you're looking for an opportunity to solve complex engineering challenges while helping shape the future of advanced antenna and electromagnetic technologies.

Salary Range - $80,000 - $135,000

ThinKom offer generous benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401k Matching (4%), PTO, paid Holidays and Bonus Plan.

ThinKom Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

ThinKom Solutions is a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment with a zero-tolerance policy