Senior Electrical Engineer, RF PCB Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

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.

We are looking for a candidate who can contribute technical expertise and work within a fast-paced team of scientists and engineers on the development of next generation RF/mmWave Subsystems. Candidate will be expected to work within diverse teams taking responsibility for the design, implementation and testing of  both high-performance electrical subsystems and high-performance RF subsystems.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Perform preliminary and critical designs using COTS or custom active and passive components with minimal oversight 
•    Oversee fabrication and testing processes, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards
•    Conduct schematic capture, PCB layout, fabrication documentation, and module assembly
•    Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering to develop thermal solutions and address mechanical design considerations
•    Mentorship of junior engineers, and responsibility for setting and encouraging development best practices

Required Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s, Masters, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or relevant field
•    Minimum 5+ years of experience in designing, implementing, and testing electronic circuits
•    Extensive experience with Schematic Capture and PCB Layout
•    Proficiency in simulating the behavior of electronics using software such as HFSS, ADS, or similar 
•    Expertise in RF & mmW PCB development, layout, and testing. 
•    Experience with Altium Designer

Preferred Qualifications:

•    In-depth knowledge of electronic sub-assemblies from component to subsystem level, including operation, controls, and safety.
•    Strong familiarity with the characteristics and trade-offs of today’s active and passive components, and the availability of COTS components
•    Advanced understanding of RF components and devices
•    Expertise in conventional and advanced microelectronic packaging/integration and thermal management
•    Proficiency with digital, mixed-signal, power, and signal integrity tools 
•    Comprehensive knowledge of PCB manufacturing standards (IPC 6012, IPC-A-610, Drill tolerancing, etc.)
•    Proven track record in the design and qualification of hardware for military applications 

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. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance
•   Active Security clearance is a plus 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range : $140,700 - $175,950
• 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:

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: 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.