Senior Software 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.

General Description:
HRL Laboratories develops radio frequency, 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:
We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer who will contribute technical expertise and work within a focused team that designs, integrates and tests radar systems operating from HF to 200+ GHz.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers to develop software and architectures for radar systems.
• Solving customer problems and writing invention disclosures.
• Responsible for publishing papers, briefing customers, participating in proposal activities, and assisting in marketing HRL expertise.

Required Qualifications:
• Ph.D. with experience in Radar Systems Engineering
• Strong expertise with radar systems with an emphasis on software development and radar algorithms. 
• 5+ years of experience with software development including Embedded Systems, Full Software Development Lifecycle (Agile), and Prototype Development
• Use of MATLAB for analyzing data collected by our radar systems
• Experience with System Design and Architecture and Algorithm Development 
• Experience with system engineering best practices.
• Experience coding with C/C++, Python, Bash, Perl
• Firm understanding of source control (GitLab, GitHub, Bitbucket, SVN)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
• Computer science expert
• Expertise with Embedded Real-Time Systems 
• Experience writing proposals, invention disclosures and publishing papers
• Knowledge of module and subsystem operation/integration is a plus. 
• Familiarity with multiple types of operating systems (Linux, ROS, SEL4, Windows)

Physical Requirements:
• Applicant must be able to interact professionally with program managers, co-workers, customers, perform detailed analyses of radar systems and components, 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:
• US Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance

Compensation and Benefits:
• Pay Range: $140,700 - $175,900
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 | 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.