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High Power Microwave Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reach

RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop ... Design and implement high efficiency power amplifiers at high frequency from 5GHz to 24GHz.

Reach

RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop ... Design and implement high efficiency power amplifiers at high frequency from 5GHz to 24GHz.

Reach

RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

As a Microwave Engineer, you will be a key part of Reach's RF engineering team and develop ... Design and implement high efficiency power amplifiers at high frequency from 5GHz to 24GHz.

Aircapture

Senior Microwave Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Design novel high voltage and high power microwave heating systems from 1 kW to 100 kW across ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field ...

Aircapture

Senior Microwave Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Design novel high voltage and high power microwave heating systems from 1 kW to 100 kW across ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field ...

Sem-Sol

Scientist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Collaborating with other scientists, engineers, technicians, and program managers to develop the next generation of High Power Microwave (HPM) sources and antennas. * Designing, simulating, and ...

Sem-Sol

Scientist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Collaborating with other scientists, engineers, technicians, and program managers to develop the next generation of High Power Microwave (HPM) sources and antennas. * Designing, simulating, and ...

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High Power Microwave Engineer information

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$36K

$94.1K

$140.5K

How much do high power microwave engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for high power microwave engineer in the United States is $94,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges High Power Microwave Engineers face when working on system integration projects?

High Power Microwave Engineers often encounter challenges related to thermal management, electromagnetic interference, and ensuring system compatibility during integration projects. Successfully addressing these issues requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers, to design reliable solutions that meet safety and performance standards. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both theoretical principles and practical constraints are essential to overcoming these hurdles and delivering robust microwave systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a High Power Microwave Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a High Power Microwave Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, RF/microwave circuit design, and electromagnetic theory, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Expertise with simulation tools like HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, and familiarity with laboratory test equipment are also essential, along with possible security clearances depending on the employer. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are crucial for designing, optimizing, and safely implementing high-power microwave systems in defense, communications, or scientific applications.

What is the difference between High Power Microwave Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectHigh Power Microwave EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in microwave/RF systemsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with focus on RF design
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, defense, aerospace, military applicationsTelecommunications, wireless, consumer electronics industries
Employer & Industry UsageDefense contractors, aerospace firms, government agenciesTelecom companies, electronics manufacturers, research institutions

High Power Microwave Engineers focus on designing and testing high-energy microwave systems used in defense and aerospace, while RF Engineers work on designing radio frequency systems for communication and consumer devices. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds but differ in application and power levels.

What are High Power Microwave Engineers?

High Power Microwave Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, develop, and test systems and devices that operate using high-power microwave (HPM) energy. Their work typically involves creating technologies for applications such as radar, wireless communication, electronic warfare, and sometimes defense systems. These engineers focus on the safe and efficient generation, transmission, and application of microwave energy at high power levels. They often collaborate with physicists, material scientists, and other engineers to solve complex technical challenges. High Power Microwave Engineers require strong backgrounds in electromagnetics, RF/microwave engineering, and related disciplines.
Infographic showing various High Power Microwave Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,100 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

High-Power Microwave Engineer

Penn State University

Freeport, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a High-Power Microwave (HPM) Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of HPM, radio frequency (RF) and electronic warfare (EW) system development and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL's Freeport, PA location and will be filled as either a Senior or Principal Research and Development Engineer.
You will:
  • Lead the development, integration, and evaluation of HPM/RF/EW systems and sensors
  • Perform engineering work related HPM/RF/EW systems across a broad application space
  • Serve as an HPM/RF/EW subject matter expert, providing critical analysis of technical data provided by vendors, insights into the effects of these systems, and making recommendations to the government
  • Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of HPM/RF/EW systems, sensors and manufacturing technology improvements
  • Provide recommendations on the emplacement of HPM/RF/EW systems to maximize lethality while limiting impact on equipment
  • Provide professional engineering advice, guidance, and assistance in various stages of research, development, and deployment
  • Formulate/estimate technical parameters that are not available currently
  • Support the preparation of risk assessment reports, safety assessment reports, and technical data packages and presentation materials
  • Provide project updates to sponsors, present research findings at conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals
  • Interact and collaborate regularly with program management, program sponsors and stakeholders
  • Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators, as well as with government sponsors, to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARL's position of trust and strategic mission
  • Participate in strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with engineers in other technical areas across ARL
  • Plan, staff, and execute programs
  • Foster an environment of collaboration across the department, division, office, and ARL

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • All aspects of HPM/RF/EW system development, hardware, as well as the software and signal processing that enable them
  • Development of advanced technology systems
  • Conceptualizing, developing, testing and fielding solutions that employ a broad range of relevant technologies
  • Expert knowledge of existing and emerging warfighter needs in the area of HPM/RF/EW
  • Understanding of system engineering processes
  • Experience supporting DoD (Department of Defense) acquisition and/or sustainment programs
  • Demonstrated success leading a team of engineers/scientists
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Excellent presentation skills and effective written and oral communication
  • This role requires a strong commitment to excellence and the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplined team, including program management and technical/engineering personnel
  • Proven track record of managing technology projects

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Experience in HPM/RF/EW systems
  • Familiarity with the DOD Manufacturing Technology Program
  • Experience with a wide range of sensors (EO/IR, Radar, etc.)
  • Experience with non-kinetic effectors (Lasers, EW, etc.).
  • Significant application of HPM/RF/EW Manufacturing Technology Improvements in support of defense manufacturing and the industrial base
  • Proven track record of developing and sustaining new technology programs
  • Active government security clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance

Your working location will be on-site, located in Freeport, PA. A hybrid work schedule may be possible.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science19+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $123,200.00 - $219,600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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