Equipment Engineer in Palo Alto, CA
Full-Time Permanent | Onsite | $80K to $110K
Do you enjoy troubleshooting real equipment instead of spending all day behind a desk?
We're looking for an (Electrical Engineer) Equipment Engineer who can bridge the gap between engineering and manufacturing; someone with strong electrical fundamentals who enjoys solving complex hardware problems, improving production equipment, and leading technical projects from concept through commissioning. You'll work on high-voltage power systems, test equipment, controls, instrumentation, and legacy production infrastructure that supports mission-critical RF and microwave products used around the world while also helping us prepare for the next gen systems we're bringing on to move to the future.
If you thrive in hands-on environments, enjoy working alongside technicians, and want to modernize equipment that directly impacts production performance, we'd like to talk with you.
About Microwave Power Products (MPP)
At Microwave Power Products (MPP), we design and manufacture advanced RF and microwave technologies used in defense, aerospace, medical, industrial, and scientific applications worldwide. Our products support some of the most demanding environments and missions on the planet. We combine decades of engineering expertise with a culture focused on technical excellence, continuous improvement, and practical problem solving. We became part of the TransDigm Group in 2024.
What You'll Do
Lead Equipment Reliability and Troubleshooting
Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, instrumentation, and system-level equipment issues
Troubleshoot production and test equipment at both the circuit and system level
Perform root-cause analysis on equipment failures and implement corrective actions
Support technicians and production teams during critical equipment issues
Modernize and Improve Equipment
Lead upgrades to aging production and test systems
Identify opportunities to improve reliability, safety, throughput, and maintainability
Develop technical requirements and specifications for replacement equipment
Support commissioning, acceptance testing, and implementation of new systems
Drive Technical Projects
Manage equipment-related projects from concept through deployment
Collaborate with internal stakeholders, technicians, and external vendors
Review vendor proposals for technical fit, performance, safety, and long-term supportability
Support capital equipment planning and justification activities
Preserve and Transfer Technical Knowledge
Document legacy equipment and operating methods
Develop troubleshooting guides, procedures, and training materials
Mentor technicians and help build organizational technical capability
Capture critical knowledge before legacy systems and expertise are lost
What You'll Work On
Examples of systems supported by this role include:
High-voltage power supplies
Pulse modulators
PFN systems
Grid pulse systems
Mod-anode systems
Crowbar protection circuits
Interlock and safety systems
PLCs and industrial controls
Instrumentation and data acquisition systems
RF test equipment
Klystron test systems
Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) support equipment
Magnetron support equipment
Legacy production and test infrastructure
You do not need prior experience with every system listed above. Strong electrical engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn complex equipment are more important.
What Makes You Successful
You are someone who:
Enjoys solving real-world hardware problems
Has strong electrical engineering fundamentals
Is comfortable working directly on equipment in a manufacturing environment
Can troubleshoot logically under production pressure
Communicates effectively with technicians, engineers, and leadership
Balances immediate production needs with long-term reliability improvements
Can turn technical challenges into practical action plans
Is curious, resourceful, and willing to learn complex legacy systems
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field
Experience troubleshooting electrical, electronic, or industrial equipment
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
Experience with analog, digital, and power circuits
Experience using electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, current probes, differential probes, data acquisition systems, or similar tools
Experience supporting manufacturing, production, laboratory, test, or industrial environments
Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
Experience with high-voltage systems
Experience with power electronics, pulse power, or industrial controls
Experience with PLCs, sensors, relays, and interlock systems
Experience developing test procedures and commissioning plans
Experience leading equipment upgrade or capital equipment projects
Experience working with RF, microwave, vacuum electronics, or related technologies
Experience evaluating vendor proposals and equipment specifications
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.
Why Engineers Join MPP
Work on technically challenging equipment that directly impacts production
Solve complex electrical and system-level problems
Lead meaningful modernization projects
Gain exposure to specialized RF and microwave technologies
Work alongside highly skilled engineers and technicians
Help preserve and advance critical technologies with global impact
If you're the type of engineer who would rather grab a scope, walk onto the production floor, and solve the problem firsthand than spend your entire day in meetings, we'd like to hear from you.
What We Offer
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.