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High Power Microwave Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$150 - $200/hr

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

Senior Scientist - High Power Microwave

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

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

Senior Scientist - High Power Microwave

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

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

Senior Scientist - High Power Microwave

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

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

Senior Microwave Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Senior Microwave Engineer Location : San Francisco (Onsite) Type: W2/C2C Infotron is seeking a ... Design and develop advanced RF and microwave-based industrial systems operating across high-power ...

Senior Microwave Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Senior Microwave Engineer Location : San Francisco (Onsite) Type: W2/C2C Infotron is seeking a ... Design and develop advanced RF and microwave-based industrial systems operating across high-power ...

Senior Microwave Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Senior Microwave Engineer Location : San Francisco (Onsite) Type: W2/C2C Infotron is seeking a ... Design and develop advanced RF and microwave-based industrial systems operating across high-power ...

Staff RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$180K - $260K/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. * Drive ...

Staff RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$180K - $260K/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. * Drive ...

Staff RF Microwave Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$180K - $260K/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. * Drive ...

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High Power Microwave Engineer information

See salary details

$36K

$94.1K

$140.5K

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

As of Sep 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 is a high power microwave engineer?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a high power microwave engineer?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to High Power Microwave Engineer jobs?

For High Power Microwave Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various High Power Microwave Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,100 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

High Powered Microwave (HPM) Engineer

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Albquerque, United States | Posted on 09/03/2026

Stellios Technologies is building advanced high power microwave andenergy systems for defense, aerospace, and energy.

We are hiring an exceptional High Power Microwave(HPM) Engineer to design, build, test, and scale high power microwave sources,with an initial focus on klystrons and gyrotrons.

This is not a purely theoretical or simulation role. You will workdirectly with hardware and own major parts of the path from firstprinciples design through fabrication, integration, power testing,failure analysis, and design iteration.

What You Will Own And/Or Support
  • RF and beam wave interaction design for klystrons, gyrotrons,and related vacuum electronic devices
  • Resonant cavities, interaction structures, mode selection,output structures, waveguide components, RF windows, and relatedmicrowave hardware
  • Electron beam transport and electron optics in coordinationwith electron gun and magnet engineering
  • Electromagnetic, particle, and multiphysics simulation used topredict device performance before hardware is built
  • High voltage, high vacuum, and high power RF testing,diagnostics, commissioning, and troubleshooting
  • Root cause analysis when measured performance does not matchsimulation or design targets
  • Mechanical tolerances, materials, thermal constraints, brazingand joining considerations, vacuum compatibility, and design for manufacturability
  • Technical reviews with internal engineers, external experts,machine shops, vacuum tube manufacturers, and critical component suppliers
  • Transition of successful prototypes into repeatable production hardware
Requirements

You must have one of the following:

  • A PhD in electrical engineering, physics, applied physics,accelerator science, plasma physics, or a directly relevant field, or
  • A BS or MS in a relevant technical field plus at least 5 yearsof directly relevant professional experience
  • Direct klystron or gyrotron experience is strongly preferred,but it is not mandatory. We will consider exceptional engineerswho have built adjacent high power, high voltage microwave systemsor components, including traveling wave tubes, magnetrons,electron beam systems, accelerators, pulsed RF systems, high powerRF sources, or closely related hardware.
  • You need strong fundamentals in electromagnetics and highpower microwave engineering, plus real hardware judgment. We caremore about what you have personally designed, built, tested,debugged, and made work than about credentials alone.
  • You should be comfortable working around high voltage, vacuumsystems, RF diagnostics, precision microwave hardware, andmultidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • This role requires access to U.S. export controlledinformation. Candidates must qualify as a U.S. person underapplicable export control laws, including U.S. citizens, U.S.nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
  • You must be willing to work on site in New Mexico, SouthernCalifornia, or Austin.
  • 100% Employer-Paid Health Insurance Premiums
  • Competitive PTO and paid company holidays
  • Equity Package with meaningful ownership potential
  • Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and expertise
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