Access Control, Aerospace and Defense, Automation, Building Restoration, Calibration, Communication Skills, Control Systems, Digital Circuits, Diversity, Electrical Wiring, Electricity, Electronics, Electronics Assembly, Electronics Manufacturing, Healthcare Software, High Voltage (HV), Identify Issues, Input/Output, Instrumentation, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Equipment, Manufacturing Equipment Electronics, Microwaves, Military Electronics, Operational Support, Operations, Oscilloscope, Preventative Maintenance, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Production Management, Production Systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Prototyping, Radio Frequency, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Process, Schematics, Security Clearance, Semiconductors, Soldering, Stored Procedures, Team Player, Test Equipment, United States Citizen, United States Department of Defense (DoD)
Senior Equipment Technician (High Voltage / RF)
$35$45/hr | Palo Alto, CA | Full Benefits + Commuter-Friendly Perks
Are you the type of technician who wants to understand why a system failed, not just replace a board and move on?
At Microwave Power Products (MPP), were looking for a hands-on Senior Equipment Technician who can troubleshoot complex high-voltage and RF systems down to the component level in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is not a bench-only role and not a routine maintenance position. We want someone with strong electronics fundamentals, practical troubleshooting ability, and the confidence to work safely around sophisticated industrial equipment where production uptime matters and documentation may not always be complete.
At MPP, we manufacture specialized RF (radio frequency) and high-power electronic products used in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial applications. Youll support the manufacturing and test equipment tied to production, helping ensure high-voltage systems remain reliable, properly maintained, and available to support daily operations. This role includes troubleshooting equipment issues, supporting preventive maintenance activities, managing production-impacting equipment downtime, and partnering with engineering teams on equipment upgrades, root cause investigations, equipment improvements, and next-generation system bring-up. Located in Palo Alto, California, MPP brings more than 70 years of manufacturing experience and is now part of TransDigm Group, a global aerospace and defense company. Its an exciting time to join a team that values its deep technical legacy while continuing to invest in the next generation of manufacturing, equipment, and engineering innovation.
What Youll Work On
- High-voltage DC power supplies and modulators
- RF and microwave test equipment
- Industrial electronics and control systems
- PLC I/O troubleshooting
- Analog and digital circuits
- Oscilloscopes, HV probes, hipot testers, and diagnostic equipment
- Legacy and custom-built equipment
- Component-level troubleshooting and repair
What Youll Do
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and maintain high-voltage electronic and manufacturing equipment
- Read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
- Diagnose failures at the component, wiring, chassis, module, and system level
- Troubleshoot AC/DC power systems, control circuits, relays, interlocks, sensors, and instrumentation
- Perform soldering, connector repair, cable repair, and chassis-level repair work
- Support root cause investigations, equipment improvements, and prototype equipment bring-up
- Work closely with technicians, engineers, manufacturing, calibration, and facilities teams to restore equipment uptime
- Collaborate with the Equipment Engineering team to prepare the transition from legacy equipment systems to next gen
- Document troubleshooting findings and repair actions clearly and accurately
- Follow all high-voltage safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO), stored energy discharge procedures, grounding verification, and two-person safety protocols
What Makes Someone Successful Here
- Strong electronics fundamentals
- Hands-on troubleshooting experience
- Logical and methodical problem-solving approach
- Comfortable working directly on manufacturing equipment and test systems
- Ability to troubleshoot safely without taking shortcuts
- Comfortable working through incomplete documentation and legacy equipment challenges
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Dependable during production-impacting downtime situations
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Industrial Electronics, Electrical Technology, or related field; equivalent military or trade experience strongly considered
- 5+ years of experience troubleshooting industrial electronic equipment, semiconductor equipment, RF systems, high-voltage systems, or similar technical equipment
- Strong understanding of analog and digital electronics fundamentals
- Experience troubleshooting AC/DC power systems and industrial control circuits
- Hands-on experience using oscilloscopes, HV probes, RF test equipment, and related diagnostic tools
- Experience with PLC troubleshooting and industrial automation support
- Experience performing component-level troubleshooting and repair
- Familiarity with high-voltage safety procedures and stored energy hazards
- Military electronics technician backgrounds are highly valued
WHAT TO EXPECT (Work Environment & Physical Demands)
- An active manufacturing production environment.
- High-voltage and industrial electronic systems with established electrical safety procedures
- Lockout/tagout (LOTO) requirements, grounding verification practices, and PPE protocols
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout manufacturing areas for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed and/or use lifting assistance for more than 50+ lbs
- Ability to work directly on equipment, wiring, and electronic assemblies in manufacturing and test environments
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 position, 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.
WHAT WE OFFER
Salary Range - $35.00 - $45.00 / hour depending on experience
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous 401(k) match
- Paid holidays and PTO
- Employee assistance programs
- Commuter benefits including complimentary EV charging
OUR WORKPLACE COMMITMENT
We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to MPP, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. MPP is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all current and prospective employees, as well as to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone. We celebrate the innovation that diversity creates in the work environment, and we recognize that each employee brings their own unique capabilities, experiences, and perspectives to the organization. It is this variety that adds value to our teams, as well as to our stakeholders. We welcome and encourage applicants to reach their full potential with us.
MPP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.