HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers – ready for real-world application. For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other — often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.
HRL Laboratories develops radiofrequency, millimeter-wave and electro-optical sensors using state-of-the-art materials and device fabrication processes to deliver agile, mission-ready systems. Our high-performance solutions are highly integrated, architecturally low cost, and optimized for size, weight and power efficiency while leveraging commercial, custom and novel mixed-signal innovations.
Essential Duties:
• Contribute technical expertise and work within a focused team that designs, fabricates, integrates, and tests RF and electromagnetic components and subsystems at frequencies below 0.1 to 200+ GHz.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers to provide support in developing state-of-the-art RF subsystems for communication, radar, and EW applications.
• Serve as subject matter expert for embedded control needs. Lead engineering and development work for embedded control portion of RF system development.
• Additional job functions include: solving customer problems, writing invention disclosures, publishing papers, briefing customers, participating in proposal activities, and assisting in marketing HRL expertise.
Required Qualifications:
• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering.
• 7+ years of Experience in low-level programming, especially for embedded platforms.
• Experience with HDL (Verilog/VHDL, HLS), C/C++, Python, other software experience is a plus.
• Experience with version control (Git/GitLab). Experience with software development best practices (Merge Requests, Code Reviews, CI/CD, Unit Testing etc.) is a plus.
• Experience with RF and high-speed digital test equipment. Experience with test automation is plus.
• Familiarity with different families of FPGAs, DSPs, and microcontrollers is desired. Specific knowledge of Xilinx SoCs is a plus.
• Working knowledge of RF components, communication systems, radar systems, and EW systems is a plus.
• Applicant must be able to interact professionally with program managers, co-workers, and customers
• Support system integration and test, providing rapid design updates as needed.
• Document and enforce best practices and mentor junior engineers in the embedded area.
Physical Requirements:
• Proficiency in use of computers, engineering workstations, complex electronic equipment, oral and written communication, interaction with vendors/colleagues and willingness to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work well in a team and independently.
• Ability and willingness to travel 20% of time.
Special Requirements:
• U.S. Citizen is required.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance is desired.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Pay Range: $154,500 - $197,900
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Benefits: HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: https://www.hrl.com/careers/benefits
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
For our privacy policy please visit: www.hrl.com/privacy
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Engineering
- 7 or more years of experience in low-level programming, particularly for embedded platforms
- Experience with HDL, including Verilog, VHDL, or HLS
- Experience with C, C++, and Python
- Experience with version control, including Git or GitLab
- Experience with RF and high-speed digital test equipment
- Familiarity with FPGA, DSP, and microcontroller families
- Specific knowledge of Xilinx SoCs
- Experience with software development practices such as merge requests, code reviews, CI/CD, and unit testing
- Experience with test automation
- Working knowledge of RF components, communication systems, radar systems, and electronic warfare systems
- Ability to interact professionally with program managers, coworkers, and customers
- Ability to support system integration and testing
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time
What the Team is Saying
HRL Laboratories Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Automatic enrollment on day one combines a 100% company match on the first 4% with an additional age-based employer contribution and a broad investment menu. This setup strengthens long‑term savings beyond a standard match.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — A flexible PTO bank starts at hire and grows with tenure, alongside about 14 paid holidays, a year‑end shutdown, and a separate sick-time bank of up to 80 hours. This structure is positioned as more generous than many industry peers.
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Parental & Family Support — Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave is offered, with added supports such as employer‑paid family caregiving resources, adoption assistance, and a return‑to‑work program. These benefits provide comprehensive coverage for growing families.
HRL Laboratories Insights
What We Do
HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL is a source of innovations that advance the state of the art in profound and far-reaching ways.
Why Work With Us
Our success is the result of our collaborative team of researchers, many of whom are the leading experts in their fields. Through their insights in support for our customers, we are finding the unique opportunities in technology.
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HRL Laboratories Offices
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