Sales Engineer - Business Development

Microwave Power Products (MPP)•Palo Alto, CA

5d•$110,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

Microwave Power Products (MPP), a 70-year-old company specializing in vacuum electronics and RF power solutions for aerospace, defense, and medical technology, is seeking a Business Development Sales Engineer. As part of the TransDigm (TDG) family, MPP offers a unique blend of agility and global scale. This on-site role in Palo Alto requires a candidate who excels at the intersection of technical expertise, customer relationships, and long-term program growth. The position is not transactional; it involves influencing platform decisions, shaping customer programs, and impacting the design, production, and sustainment of mission-critical RF and vacuum electronic systems. The Sales Engineer will manage a portfolio of OEM, defense, and high-reliability customers, driving new program capture and expanding existing relationships. This hands-on, customer-facing role requires close partnership with engineering teams, understanding of long-cycle sales, and the ability to translate customer needs into viable solutions. The role involves acting as a liaison between customers and MPP's engineering and manufacturing teams, ensuring alignment throughout the product lifecycle. Significant travel (60%+) is expected, and the role offers exposure to senior stakeholders and TDG best practices, providing a platform for career advancement.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; advanced degrees or business training (e.g., MBA) are a plus
Experience in technical sales, applications engineering, field engineering, or a similar customer-facing role supporting engineered products
Exposure to aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability, regulated industries
Familiarity with RF power systems, microwave or vacuum electronics, or other complex electromechanical systems (or a strong interest in developing depth in this space)
Experience working directly with customer engineering teams on specification-driven programs, long sales cycles, or custom solutions
Technical curiosity and the ability to translate complex engineering concepts into clear, compelling value for customers
A demonstrated pattern of professional growth, such as increasing customer ownership, program responsibility, or deal complexity over time
Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Comfort working in ITAR/export-controlled environments, or willingness to learn and operate within those requirements
Willingness and ability to travel within the assigned territory as needed to support customers and programs
Applicants must be able to comply with applicable export control requirements.
For security clearance position, the candidate must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance as required, holding a security clearance is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees or business training (e.g., MBA)
Holding a security clearance is a plus.

Responsibilities

Own and execute a sales strategy for assigned customers and programs, with accountability for bookings, revenue growth, and new program capture
Serve as the primary technical-commercial lead for customer programs, from requirements definition and proposal through qualification, production, and sustainment
Engage directly with customer engineering, supply chain, and program teams to understand specifications, constraints, and long-term needs
Translate customer requirements into tailored solutions by partnering closely with internal engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
Lead technical discussions, product positioning, and value articulation related to vacuum electronics, RF power systems, and associated components
Identify and mitigate technical, commercial, and schedule risks while balancing customer needs and business objectives
Expand relationships within key accounts, increasing MPP’s footprint across platforms, programs, and lifecycle phases
Monitor market trends, competitor offerings, and customer roadmaps to inform strategic account planning
Represent MPP at customer sites, industry events, and technical or commercial reviews
Travel within the assigned territory to support customer engagement and program execution (60%+)