Senior Principal RF Engineer

HRL Laboratories 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 jointly by Boeing and GM, 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.

Our Sensing and Communication Systems Division is composed of talented scientists and engineers with expertise in RFIC and MMIC circuit design, advanced packaging, antenna design, system prototyping, signal processing, integration and characterization of advanced radar and communication systems. We are looking to hire a highly experienced candidate to lead next generation RF & mmWave technologies from research & development (R&D) into prototypes/products such as active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) as well as electrically small receivers and transmitters for sensing and communication applications. This role will be instrumental in developing and supporting our technical strategies and roadmaps, leading our engineering teams, and driving the development of innovative products for our customers.


Essential Duties:

• Lead the end-to-end development life cycle, from conceptualization to deployment
• Provide strong technical leadership and guidance to all engineering disciplines including hardware, software, system integrations, and tests
• Oversee the system architectural design and technical integrity ensuring all engineering activities and developments comply with customer requirements
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the product lifecycle, from conceptual design through deployment
• Conduct technical reviews, provide guidance and make critical technical decisions on complex engineering challenges
• Drive R&D initiatives, exploring emerging technologies to maintain our competitive edge and introduce disruptive capabilities
• Additional job functions include writing invention disclosures, publishing papers, briefing customers, and leading in proposal/marketing activities

Required Qualifications:

• 20+ years of technical and leadership experience in research and product development within the defense industry for RF & mmWave technologies with an emphasis on radar and communication systems/payloads.
• Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline
• Experience with advanced microelectronic packaging and manufacturing of RF microsystems & subsystems.
• Knowledge of high frequency and RF simulation tools (e.g. ADS, MWO, VSS, SystemVue) and electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g. HFSS, CST).
• Familiarity with silicon and III-V MMIC technologies.
• Understanding of DoD missions and technology acquisition process
• Familiarity with regulations and standards for military (MIL-STD) and RF hardware
• Experience implementing system engineering principles and working with technical teams to ensure compliance with best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor large multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Physical Requirements:

• Applicant must be able to interact professionally with program managers, co-workers, and customers, as well as perform detailed analyses and prepare written and oral presentations
• Ability to work well in a team and independently
• Must be willing to travel and work in a team of highly skilled engineers on complex projects, and willingness to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Special Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range : $193,700 - $248,250
• 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

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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.