Cryptic crossword clue
Dependable, mature lady engaged to reverse engineer microwave component 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MAGNETRON

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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The straight part
We know that "microwave component" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case microwave component = magnetron.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does MAGNETRON mean?

MAGNETRON noun
  1. A device in which electrons are made to resonate in a specially shaped chamber and thus produce microwave radiation; used in radar, and in microwave ovens

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