Design & Optical Test Engineer

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 advances critical structural and functional materials and semiconductor devices that enable precision navigation, quantum technologies and extreme-environment performance. With expertise from design through deployment, we deliver scalable, high-performance solutions that transform our customers’ missions. Our work leverages digital manufacturing and scalable microfabrication techniques to meet tomorrow’s toughest challenges.

Position Summary:

•    Design, build, test, and analyze optical, optoelectronic, and photonic experiments for quantum communications systems and platforms 
•    Collaborate with multidisciplinary R&D teams to advance quantum communications technologies

Key Responsibilities:

•    Perform critical engineering and R&D under the supervision of staff scientists for next generation quantum photonic/electronic devices and deployable optical payloads 
•    Design, model, setup, and test of free-space and/fiber optic experiments and design and fabrication of state-of-the-art semiconductor devices 
•    Improve processes, perform measurements, collect, summarize, and analyze data, present and discuss data with other scientists
•    Work with mechanical and electrical teams to troubleshoot complex systems

Required Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s or master’s in physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related discipline
•    Some prior experience working with any of microfabrication, free-space/fiber optics, electronics, computer-controlled experiments obtain through coursework, independent study, or other internships 
•    Strong desire to learn and be trained in scientific laboratory techniques and experimental procedures 
•    Must be able to work well in a dynamic team environment and possess excellent communication skills
•    Working knowledge of free space optics, fiber optics, mechanical CAD software, and rf-test equipment (spectrum analyzers, power meters, oscilloscopes)

Physical Requirements:

•    Must be able to work safely in an optical testing laboratory 
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills and organization skills are required
•    Must be proficient in use of computers, engineering workstations, and complex electronic equipment

Special Requirements:

•    US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range : $81,800- 98,900
• 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:

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 \u007C 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.