Integration & Component Design Engineer
HRL Laboratories
Integration & Component Design Engineer
HRL Laboratories
Cognitive systems R&D for human-machine collaboration
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.
Qubit Systems Laboratory (QSL) is a world leader in semiconductor spin qubits. Our broad expertise spans semiconductor growth, device design and modeling, cryogenic control, high-density interconnects and packaging, quantum architecture, and multiqubit demonstrations. Our system architecture is built entirely around scalable semiconductor manufacturing to make quantum computing affordable for practical business and scientific applications.
General Description
The Integration Component Design Engineer will develop detailed superconducting component layouts, create automated layout strategies, and collaborate closely with process, RF, and integration engineering teams to ensure manufacturable, high performance designs in support of HRL’s silicon spin quantum computing effort. This role centers on expert level CAD layout execution, automation of design steps, and clear communication of methodologies and design intent to technical leadership. The ideal candidate brings strong proficiency in Virtuoso (and ideally Allegro APD), a solid understanding of foundry process constraints, and familiarity with RF design principles relevant to superconducting transmission structures.
Essential Duties
• Create, refine, and own complex superconducting component layouts using industry standard CAD tools—Virtuoso strongly preferred, Virtuoso plus Allegro APD ideal.
• Collaborate with other design engineers to support simulation analyses, analysis of alternative designs, and design modifications related to measurement feedback.
• Develop and implement layout automation strategies including routing, via placement, ground plane slotting, and metal/dielectric fill rules to enhance efficiency and manufacturability.
• Incorporate foundry process constraints, design rules, material limitations, and interface behaviors into layout decisions and system level design choices.
• Support RF related layout tasks, including transmission line structure creation, parasitic minimization, and adherence to RF design methodologies for cryogenic superconducting components.
• Collaborate closely with integration, process, and packaging teams to ensure alignment on layout strategy, connectivity requirements, and manufacturability constraints.
• Document layout approaches, automation methods, and design rules; prepare clear summaries and visualizations for presentation to technical leadership.
• Troubleshoot layout related issues, resolve DRC/LVS concerns, and support design reviews throughout the development cycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of layout templates, parameterized cells, automation scripts, and best practice methodologies for superconducting component design.
Required Qualifications
• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of extensive hands on experience with CAD layout tools: Virtuoso required; Virtuoso plus Allegro APD strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with layout automation methods, including routing algorithms, via strategy tuning, ground plane slotting, and metal/dielectric fill techniques.
• Understanding of foundry process constraints, design rule interpretation, and materials related layout considerations.
• Familiarity with RF design principles, transmission line behavior, and layout methodologies for RF sensitive structures.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly summarize designs, assumptions, and layout strategies for review by senior technical leadership.
• Strong problem solving ability with attention to detail, design reliability, and manufacturability.
• Experience with scripting or automation tools (Python, or similar) is preferred.
Special Requirements:
• US Person Status Required
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: 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
HRL Laboratories is an IBM subsidiary which has been acquired by IBM. By proceeding with this application, you understand that HRL Laboratories will share your personal information with other IBM affiliates involved in your recruitment process, wherever these are located. More information on how IBM protects your personal information, including the safeguards applicable to cross-border data transfers, is available here.
Cognitive systems R&D for human-machine collaboration
HRL Laboratories conducts research and development in cognitive systems and human–machine collaboration for defense and high-tech clients. It creates AI/ML-powered cognitive architectures and interfaces that help machines understand sensemaking and assist human memory, enabling more autonomous and scalable decision-making systems. Its solutions are built through project-based work for government agencies, defense contractors, and private sector partners, often involving patented technologies and collaborations with academia. The company differentiates itself with a focus on integrated cognitive architectures, memory enhancement techniques, and neurosynchrony, applying these to real-world applications in government and industry. Its goal is to improve how humans and machines interact to enhance cognitive performance and decision quality across complex, high-stakes environments.
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