Senior Manufacturing Operations Engineer (Klystron, High Voltage, RF Systems)

Department: Manufacturing Engineering / Operations
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Salary Range: $80,000 to $135,000

Position Summary

This is not a traditional Manufacturing Engineer role. We're seeking a technically deep engineer who serves as the bridge between Manufacturing Operations and Product Engineering for our Klystron product line. Rather than designing new products, you'll apply your expertise in high-voltage electrical systems, RF testing, and failure analysis to solve complex production challenges, improve manufacturability, and optimize manufacturing and test processes.

In this role, you'll become a technical subject matter expert supporting the electrical subsystems and high-voltage power architectures that drive our Klystron products. You'll help ensure that high-voltage modulators, power supplies, and related test systems safely and reliably deliver the precise electrical inputs required for product performance. Success in this role requires strong knowledge of electrical safety, high-voltage testing, automated diagnostic data collection, and both Cold Testing and High-Power Testing.

Working cross-functionally with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, and Quality, you'll lead technical investigations, resolve complex production issues, standardize manufacturing and test practices, and provide manufacturing feedback that improves product quality, manufacturability, and operational efficiency.

At Microwave Power Products (MPP), we manufacture RF and electronic components used in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial equipment. Our work requires precision, attention to detail, and teamwork, and our technicians play an important role in building products our worldwide customers depend on.

Located in Palo Alto, California, MPP has more than 70 years of manufacturing experience and is now part of TransDigm Group, a global aerospace and defense company. We offer a stable work environment, hands-on training, and opportunities to grow your skills while working with experienced technicians and engineers.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the primary technical resource supporting manufacturing operations for Klystron products.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical, RF, and high-voltage issues encountered during assembly and testing.
• Lead root cause investigations for production failures and implement effective corrective actions.
• Partner with Product Engineering to improve manufacturability and provide operational feedback on product designs.
• Develop, revise, and maintain manufacturing procedures, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Standardize production testing methods and improve test documentation.
• Train and mentor assemblers, technicians, and test personnel on manufacturing processes, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices.
• Support Cold Testing and High-Power Testing activities.
• Analyze production and test data to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Support engineering change implementation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety requirements and high-voltage operating procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related STEM discipline.
• 3+ years of experience supporting high-voltage electrical systems, RF/microwave products, or high-power electronic equipment in a manufacturing or test environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis experience involving complex electromechanical systems.
• Experience working with high-voltage power supplies, modulators, pulse-forming networks, or similar high-energy systems.
• Hands-on experience using:
  • High-bandwidth oscilloscopes
  • High-voltage probes
  • Digital multimeters
  • Isolation transformers
  • RF test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, peak power meters, etc.)
• Experience creating technical procedures, work instructions, or manufacturing documentation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to train technicians and collaborate across engineering and operations teams.
• Experience supporting vacuum electron devices such as Klystrons, TWTs, or related microwave products.
• Experience with automated test systems and data acquisition tools.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical, or industrial electronics manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.

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.