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High Power Microwave Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pulsed Power Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$132K - $245K/yr

Lead Pulsed Power Engineer Job Location: San Leandro, CA (Can be remote) Business Unit: ATI 9/80 ... Experience with High Power Microwave HPM systems. * Comfortable with data analysis of physical time ...

$132K - $245K/yr

Led by a seasoned management team, Fisica is committed to excellence in engineering, manufacturing ... Experience with High Power Microwave HPM systems. * Comfortable with data analysis of physical time ...

Knowledge of high-power microwave and high-power radio frequencies Core Competencies Demonstrates ... Electrical Engineering * Test Methodology Development * Data Analysis * Target Design and ...

New

Pulsed Power Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$132K - $245K/yr

Lead Pulsed Power Engineer Job Location: San Leandro, CA (Can be remote) Business Unit: ATI 9/80 ... Collaborate with partners to integrate the pulsed power driver with x-ray or high power microwave ...

$91K - $120K/yr

From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our ... Leading the full engineering lifecycle--from architectural layout and requirements breakdown to ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Power Microwave (HPM) Mechanical Engineer

King George, VA • On-site

SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC.
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
Comprising more than 130 personnel, the Integrated Warfare Systems Group (IWSG) delivers expertise across program and project management, acquisition and contracting, systems and digital engineering, software development, test and evaluation, sustainment and life‑cycle management, cybersecurity, international/Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT services. These capabilities support more than 100 Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects within the Navy's Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Mission Systems, Maritime and Munitions, as well as clients at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, and the Office of Naval Research.#FC #Dice
Responsibilities
You will provide full-time senior Mechanical Engineer support to a critical organization in Naval Sea Systems Command. As part of the team you will play a critical role in the fabrication, operation, application, installation, and repair of mechanical components and the systems integration of HPM or pulsed power systems into land, air, or shipboard applications.
You can expect to work primarily from the DC or Dahlgren, VA area. "Sign‑on bonus upon hire."
Qualifications
  • A BS degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline
  • Ten (10) years of experience in the design, development, implementation, and testing of mechanical components, equipment, and machinery specific to high-voltage RF transmitter systems or equipment designed for operation while exposed to high electromagnetic currents and fields
  • Experience in the fabrication, operation, application, installation, and repair of mechanical components and systems
  • Five (5) years of experience in the integration of HPM or pulsed power systems into land, air, or shipboard applications
  • Relevant experience in 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
  • DoD Top Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility and the ability to maintain clearance throughout employment

Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $170,000.00/Yr. - USD $210,000.00/Yr.