At Microwave Power Products (MPP), we design and manufacture advanced RF and microwave technologies that power critical applications in defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, we’re proud of our 70+ year history of innovation and precision engineering. In 2024, MPP joined the TransDigm Group (NYSE: TDG), gaining access to world-class resources while maintaining our high-impact, close-knit culture.

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY

Over the course of 8–12 weeks, you’ll support the Helix Business Unit by completing two high-impact engineering documentation and process-improvement projects.

First, you’ll help standardize documentation for Power Grid Assembly hardware equipment and its associated sockets. These assemblies rely on hands-on alignment and testing by skilled operators, but current documentation is inconsistent. Your work will create clear, organized reference materials that technicians can use to improve repeatability and training.

Second, you’ll create a comprehensive reference linking equalizer components used across different Helix products to their respective frequency ranges. This resource will support engineering, test, and production teams by improving product configuration accuracy and reducing troubleshooting time.

Your contributions will strengthen documentation clarity, enable more efficient builds, and enhance knowledge transfer across the Helix team.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Capstone Project A — Power Grid Assembly Hardware Documentation

Shadow operators and technicians to understand the Power Grid Assembly process and the role of hardware equipment.
Identify, organize, and document all socket types and configurations used across the assembly process.
Standardize inconsistent documentation by creating clear instructions, diagrams, and reference sheets.
Capture photos or simple CAD sketches as needed to support clarity and training.
Deliver a complete, organized library of socket documentation for use by operators, manufacturing engineering, and training teams.

Capstone Project B — Equalizer-to-Frequency Reference Mapping (Helix)

Review engineering data, historical builds, and test files to identify equalizer types used across Helix products.
Document the frequency ranges, configurations, and applications each equalizer supports.
Develop a structured reference table or visual guide linking products ↔ equalizers ↔ frequencies.
Validate findings with Helix Engineers to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Publish a final reference document that can be used by Engineering, Test, and Production teams to quickly identify correct equalizer selections.

Engineering Collaboration & Support

Work with Helix and Power Grid Design Engineers, Test Technicians, and Production operators to verify documentation accuracy.
Participate in process walk-throughs and incorporate operator feedback into revisions.
Identify any documentation gaps and propose improvements.

Documentation & Data Management

Create clear, consistently formatted engineering documentation aligned with MPP standards.
Maintain revision control and organize files in accessible shared directories or PLM systems.
Create templates or standardized formats to allow long-term maintainability.

YOUR TAKEAWAYS

Hands-on exposure to high-power microwave and RF manufacturing processes.
Experience documenting real production equipment, configurations, and engineering relationships.
Increased understanding of Helix and Power Grid product structures, frequency characteristics, and component interactions.
Strengthened skills in interviewing SMEs, simplifying complex systems, and building clear engineering references.
A meaningful deliverable portfolio directly used by technicians and engineers on the production floor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Current student or recent graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
Familiarity with engineering documentation, basic RF concepts, or mechanical/electrical assemblies (coursework acceptable).
Strong verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail.
Ability to organize information and create clear, technician-friendly reference materials.
Experience with basic CAD or technical illustration is a plus but not required.

This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals) due to access to export-controlled technology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE

On-site at our Palo Alto, CA facility.
Daily interaction with Engineers, Operators, and Production Technicians.
Standard weekday schedule with flexibility to coordinate operator shadowing and process observations.

WHAT WE OFFER

$25 to $33/hour depending on experience.
Mentorship from experienced engineers and a defined project deliverable to present at the end of your term

We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to MPP, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. MPP is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all current and prospective employees, as well as to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone.

MPP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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Engineering Intern