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High Power Microwave Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Sr. Test Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

... and other high-power microwave amplifiers. You will be at the center of modernizing our test ... Engineering Support & Problem Solving * Own technical assignments for testing, characterizing, and ...

LLNL

Microwave/RF Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

You will be responsible for using your engineering judgement and modeling experience for a wide variety of projects including high-power microwave, antenna design, Radio Frequency (RF ...

LLNL

Microwave/RF Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

You will be responsible for using your engineering judgement and modeling experience for a wide variety of projects including high-power microwave, antenna design, Radio Frequency (RF ...

LLNL

Microwave/RF Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

You will be responsible for using your engineering judgement and modeling experience for a wide variety of projects including high-power microwave, antenna design, Radio Frequency (RF ...

Teledyne

RF Electrical Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA

$90K - $121K/yr

Design and optimize high-power microwave amplifiers for mission-critical applications. Teledyne ... Plan and execute engineering activities, including failure analysis and product development

TIMES MICROWAVE SYSTEMS

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Regional Sales Manager - RF Products (West Coast)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

Collaborate with engineering on product design. * Manage expectations between customers and the ... Private Networks), IoT, Microwave / Point-to-Point, High Power Microwave, Industrial ...

Teledyne

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site +1

$113K - $151K/yr

Design and optimize high-power microwave amplifiers for mission-critical applications. Teledyne ... Plan and execute engineering activities, including failure analysis and product development

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All JobsHigh Power Microwave Engineer Jobs

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 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.

Senior Engineer - Directed Energy Team & Capture Lead

Berriehill Research

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Are you interested in leading and advancing Directed Energy system programs and capture efforts? Do you have experience with high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Engineer to serve as a Team and Capture Lead for our Directed Energy Team within the Southwest Division in Albuquerque, NM. Join us in developing innovative solutions and advancing existing designs that support critical mission needs.

This position will include a mix of technical, business development, and program management skills to develop directed energy systems and related technologies. The ideal candidate will be capable of applying project leadership skills to the technical team for the design, fabrication and testing of advanced systems for the Defense Industry.  You will be looked to as a subject matter expert and lead the technical team in the day-to-day activities which include program scheduling, planning, budgeting, reporting, and proposals.  Come join an exciting employee-owned company solving complex problems of national security!

As a Directed Energy Team & Capture Lead with ARA you will:

  • Work with high power microwave systems, electro-optics, laser (high and low power), optics, sensors and pointing.
  • Integration and testing of directed energy systems.
  • Develop technology demonstrations and field-testing campaigns.
  • High Energy Laser (HEL), High Power Microwave (HPM), and directed energy weapons (DEW).
  • Contribute to proposals and new program capture.
  • Work with the defense industry and military customers.

Directed Energy Team Lead Engineer Requirements:

  • US citizen with an active DoD Security Clearance or ability to obtain one.
  • MS or Meng. in optical engineering, physics or related field.
  • Strong system engineering hardware background.
  • Able to lead teams, programs and business areas.
  • Ability to handle technical project planning & monthly reporting including financials.
  • Team player with excellent presentation and written/oral communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to understand and solve complex problems.
  • Interest in learning new engineering tools and strong system engineering background.

Directed Energy Team Lead Engineer Preferences:

  • Active DoD SECRET or higher security clearance.
  • Experience working with DoD cloud-based tools.
  • Understanding of DoD acquisitions processes.

Job Location:

  • Onsite in Albuquerque, NM

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