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.
HRL’s Sensors and Electronics Lab is looking for a mechanical engineer to help develop pioneering RF technologies in a mission-focused environment. Candidate will be expected to work within diverse teams taking responsibility for the design, FEA modeling, implementation, and integration of mechanical and thermal solutions for advanced RF prototypes. While primarily focused will be on the mechanical and thermal design, a strong candidate should possess a well-rounded skill set in mechanical, electronics, and programming areas and will be required to support and assist senior staff scientists and engineers in the product development cycle.
Key Responsibilities:
• Work with RF and electrical engineering teams to design, simulate, integrate, and test mechanical and thermal assemblies to meet customer requirements
• Perform simulations of mechanical systems (FEA of CAD components and assemblies) and electronics systems (SPICE simulations) for electronics and RF subsystems
• Prepare design specifications, component drawings, assembly drawings, tolerance analysis and interface control documents with application of GD&T and develop system assembly instructions
• Integrate and validate system hardware in a laboratory environment
• Contribute to software development to monitor, control, and acquire data from and RF subsystems
• Support design reviews and implement design for manufacturing/assembly principles
• Perform or coordinate fabrication and testing of assemblies
Required Qualifications:
• At least 4 years of experience designing, implementing, and testing mechanical assemblies and/or thermal management systems
• General knowledge of GD&T is required and how it relates to processing methods
• Experience with FEA analysis tools such as Ansys or COMSOL
• At least 4 years of experience designing, implementing, and testing mechanical assemblies and/or thermal management systems
• Working knowledge of mechanical and thermal design principles from the component to subsystem level, including operation, controls, safety, etc.
• Understanding of structural and thermal analysis and fluid dynamics
• Familiarity with MILSPEC standards and qualification of hardware for DoD applications
• 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
• Working knowledge of electronic parts and components, including connectors, cables, printed circuit boards and device packages
Preferred Qualifications:
• Basic understanding of electronic and/or RF components and systems
• Must be sufficiently mobile to work within confined spaces and have both visual and hearing acuity
Special Requirements:
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance
• Current Security Clearance is a plus.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Pay Range: $128,000 - $159,950
- 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 mechanical engineering or a relevant field
- At least 4 years of experience designing, implementing, and testing mechanical assemblies and/or thermal management systems
- Proficiency with SolidWorks for detailed 3D models and technical drawings
- General knowledge of GD&T and its relationship to processing methods
- Experience with FEA analysis tools such as Ansys or COMSOL
- Working knowledge of mechanical and thermal design principles from component to subsystem level
- Understanding of structural and thermal analysis and fluid dynamics
- Familiarity with MILSPEC standards and qualification of hardware for DoD applications
- Working knowledge of electronic parts and components, including connectors, cables, printed circuit boards, and device packages
- Ability to work effectively in a team and independently
- Understanding of ASME Y14.5 and ASME Y14.100
- Basic understanding of electronic and/or RF components and systems
- Product life cycle, vibration, and environmental testing experience
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
What the Team is Saying
HRL Laboratories Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Automatic enrollment, a 100% match on the first 4% of contributions, and an additional age-based employer contribution indicate a strong retirement offering. The plan also lists 23+ investment options, supporting long-term savings choice.
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple PPO and HMO medical options plus an HDHP with employer HSA contributions, alongside dental options and employer‑paid vision, point to broad, well-supported coverage. Employer‑paid life, short‑ and long‑term disability, and optional supplemental coverage add further protection.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — A flexible PTO bank with hours available at hire, accrual that grows over time, roughly 13–14 paid holidays including a year‑end shutdown, and a separate sick‑time allotment suggest ample leave. Policies also include up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for eligible employees.
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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