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High Power Microwave Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INFOTRON

Senior Microwave Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills Preferred Backgrounds Industrial microwave systems, RF power engineering, semiconductor equipment ...

LLNL

Microwave/RF Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

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 ...

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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 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.

RF/Microwave Engineer - Senior Member of Technical Staff

El Segundo, CA • On-site

The Aerospace Corporation
See more jobs at The Aerospace Corporationexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!
The Communication Electronics Department is looking for an RF/Microwave Engineer who wants their work to matter - someone ready to own projects across the lifecycle of analysis, design, and measurement that will transform the next generation of RF and microwave space systems.
Why We're Different:
  • Ownership. Not just "contributor to slide 47 of a PowerPoint." You'll lead projects that shape and define the future of space.
  • Flexibility that respects your capabilities. Choose your approach; experiment and iterate. We trust you to solve hard problems your way.
  • Collegial, not corporate. Think academic research lab meets mission-critical engineering. We collaborate across disciplines, debate and share ideas, and foster an open and curious culture.
  • Two-way learning. We'll invest in your growth-and we genuinely want to learn from your expertise.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Shape the future of space hardware - Provide expert guidance on radar, sensor, and communication payloads that contractors build for critical government missions
  • Master the art of measurement - employ advanced microwave measurement techniques and operate specialized microwave test equipment
  • Build what doesn't exist yet - Create RF payload prototypes and emulators that bridge the gap between theory and orbit
  • Model complex systems - Generate performance budgets and run circuit simulations (ADS, Microwave Office) that predict how systems will behave before a single component is soldered
  • Become an anomaly detective - When hardware misbehaves (and it will), you'll be the one who combines analytical rigor with hands-on experimentation to find out why
  • Collaborate in real-time and space - Work side-by-side with talented engineers and technicians to solve the hardest problems in the space enterprise

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Member of the Technical Staff
Minimum Requirements:
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
  • Five or more years related (including post graduate studies) technical experience in any of the following microwave engineering areas
    • Modeling of microwave and/or millimeter-wave circuits using ADS OR Microwave Office
    • Relevant experience with modeling or measuring performance of radar, sensor, and/or communication payload hardware and systems
    • Modeling of microwave semiconductors or plasma devices
  • Experience with manual and remote operation of network analyzers, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators and other instrumentation
  • Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving, handling ambiguity and imperfectly defined problems, an ability to rapidly grasp new concepts, and excellent written/verbal communication skills
  • Ability to engage others and influence technical decisions.
  • Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist:
  • Seven or more years of relevant experience with communication or radar payload hardware
  • Mentoring of junior personnel
  • Technical team leadership

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Current SECRET or TS/SCI clearances
  • Experience operating high-power microwave amplifiers
  • Experience with applying AI/ML to microwave design problems

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$110,400.00 - $165,500.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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