Job Information
Microwave Power Products, Inc. Engineering Manager (Development Engineering Manager/RandD Engineer Manager) in Palo Alto, California
For over 70 years, Microwave Power Products, Inc. (MPP) has developed RF and microwave technologies that power critical systems in defense, aerospace, medical treatment, and scientific research. In 2024, MPP joined the TransDigm Group (NYSE: TDG), gaining access to world-class resources while preserving our fast-moving, high-impact culture.
Engineering Manager - Vacuum Electronics
Leadership Scope: Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team focused on vacuum electronic device design and development
Technical Domain: Vacuum tubes, electron optics, RF circuits, and high-voltage systems
Impact: Help shape the future structure and capability of MPPandrsquo;s engineering organization as it evolves under TransDigm ownership
Collaboration: Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management to transition advanced designs into production
Environment: High-mix RF and microwave manufacturing supporting defense, aerospace, medical, and scientific applications
Salary Range: $130,000 - $190,000 depending on experience
YOUR DAY TO DAY (Role Summary)
We are seeking an experienced and forward-looking
Engineering Manager
to lead our vacuum electronics engineering team and help strengthen the long-term capability of engineering at MPP.
This role provides both
technical leadership and organizational leadership
for the development of advanced vacuum electronic devices and next-generation RF power technologies. The Engineering Manager will guide engineering design efforts, mentor and develop engineers and technical specialists, and partner closely with manufacturing and operations to ensure designs transition successfully into production.
As MPP continues to grow as part of TransDigm, this role offers a unique opportunity to help
shape engineering practices, team development, and technical direction
within the organization. The successful candidate will balance hands-on technical engagement with people leadershipfostering innovation, strengthening engineering processes, and building a high-performing team capable of supporting increasingly complex products and programs.
This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys
developing engineers, strengthening engineering systems, and driving technical excellence in a manufacturing environment.
YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR (Responsibilities)
- Lead and oversee the engineering team responsible for the design, development, and optimization of vacuum tubes, electron guns, RF circuits, and related high-voltage systems.
- Build, mentor, and develop a diverse team of engineers and technicians, ensuring strong technical capabilities, career growth, and knowledge transfer.
- Drive innovation in vacuum electronics technology and next-generation product development.
- Plan, organize, and direct technical projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and schedule.
- Oversee departmental planning, including staffing, equipment, facilities, and long-term capability development.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, operations, quality, and program management to ensure seamless integration of designs into production.
- Monitor technical programs to ensure rigorous analysis, problem-solving, and compliance with performance, cost, and quality requirements.
- Support proposal development, cost estimation, and technical strategy for new programs and RandD initiatives.
- Establish and maintain effective communication within the team and across departments, ensuring alignment on objectives and priorities.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and applicable government regulations.
- Support engineering and operational directives as needed.
YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE THESE PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelorandrsquo;s or Masterandrsquo;s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- 5+ years of successful exp rience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Expertise in vacuum systems, electron optics, high-voltage electronics, and operational characteristics strongly preferred.
- Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to mentor, motivate, and grow engineering talent.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to balance technical depth with program execution and team leadership responsibilities.
YOUandrsquo;LL STAND OUT IF YOU HAVE
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of engineering experience, including technical leadership of complex vacuum electronics projects.
- Experience guiding RandD programs and transitioning new designs into production.
- Proven record of building high-performing technical teams.
- Strong background in proposal development, cost estimation, and strategic planning for engineering organizations.
This position requires potential access to technology controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The successful candidate must be a U.S. Person as defined under ITAR and EAR. In order to be a U.S. Person for ITAR and EAR purposes, you must (i) be a citizen or national of the United States; or (ii) be a lawful permanent resident of the United States; or (iii)a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
WHAT WE OFFER:
Salary range between $130,000 to $190,000 depending on experience
Whether you are a seasoned professional or just embarking on your career, MPP is an ideal place to expand your knowledge and expertise. We cultivate a healthy, dynamic, and team-oriented environment that empowers our employees to develop, create and deliver innovative, reliable technology solutions to power, connect, protect, and support a better tomorrow.
We offer our employees an attractive compensation package with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including health and wellness programs, career development, generous retirement savings plan with company match and more!
WHO WE ARE:
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. I