HRL Laboratories
Cognitive systems R&D for human-machine collaboration
Causal Inference and Reasoning Summer Intern
About the job
- Research experience developing and implementing causal inference and counterfactual reasoning, causal reinforcement learning, machine learning/reasoning, data mining algorithms and software tools
- Experience developing innovative solutions based on the application of relevant research results from a wide variety of literature i.e. from theory to software
- Able and willing to occasionally travel
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required
- Perform research and development in the fields of quantitative causal inference and counterfactual reasoning, causal reinforcement learning, and the intersection of causal inference and machine learning/reasoning (including computer vision, natural language processing). Process and gain insight from large amounts of multimodal relational data (e.g. time-series, text, images, graphs, spatio-temporal processes)
- Additional job functions include solving customer problems, writing invention disclosures, publishing papers, briefing customers, and assisting in marketing HRL expertise
- Experience working on projects requiring group software development and version control is a plus
- Experience in using machine learning tools and packages (e.g., Caffe, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Sklearn), COTS reinforcement learning simulators (e.g. OpenAI, PettingZoo, etc.), and distributed software (e.g. Ray, Python multi-processing) is a plus
- Background in causal inference and one or more of the following areas: machine learning, machine reasoning, computer vision, network science/graph theory, text mining, statistics
- Strong Python programming skills, proficiency with Unix-based systems, in addition to R, C/C++, Java, and/or Matlab
About the company
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.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$2M
Headquarters
Malibu, California
Founded
1997
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- IBM closed HRL acquisition on August 26, 2026, expanding quantum commercialization paths.
- HRL's April 8, 2026 GaN-on-SiC milestone unlocked MACOM scale-up and government sales.
- AXI-R100 pre-production orders opened June 1, 2026, targeting defense, aerospace, and automotive.
What critics are saying
- California WARN notices cut 408 workers by April 3, 2026, signaling contract dependence.
- IBM now controls HRL, and integration risks talent attrition after the August 2026 close.
- A defense-program cancellation already triggered layoffs; another award loss shrinks Malibu operations.
What makes HRL Laboratories unique
- HRL pairs Boeing and GM heritage with research across quantum, MEMS, and GaN.
- On June 1, 2026, AXI-R100 delivered near-navigation-grade MEMS performance in palm-sized hardware.
- On February 24, 2026, Low-Chill used 3D printing for single-phase cooling.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Gym Membership
Paid Vacation
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 8%1 year growth
↑ 8%2 year growth
↑ 8%IBM announced it has completed its acquisition of HRL Laboratories, LLC, a leading research & development institution whose expertise spans quantum computing, quantum sensing, advanced communications, electronics, manufacturing, & materials science.
IBM completes acquisition of HRL Laboratories to accelerate the future of quantum. Aug 26, 2026, 08:00 ET The combination brings together complementary expertise in quantum computing, sensing, materials science, and advanced technologies to accelerate future innovation ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has completed its acquisition of HRL Laboratories, LLC (HRL), a leading research and development institution whose expertise spans quantum computing, quantum sensing, advanced communications, electronics, manufacturing, and materials science. The acquisition brings together two leading organizations with a shared commitment to advancing the frontiers of science and technology. HRL's expertise in silicon-spin qubits complements IBM's leadership in superconducting quantum computing. HRL also brings capabilities in quantum sensing, quantum materials, cryogenics, control electronics, packaging, and interconnect technologies that are expected to strengthen IBM's quantum hardware roadmap and support continued innovation across the quantum technology stack. IBM continues to advance superconducting-qubit architectures through breakthroughs in hardware, error correction, software, and algorithms designed to enable increasingly capable quantum systems. IBM's roadmap includes its fault-tolerant quantum computer IBM Quantum Starling, expected by 2029 to perform 100 million quantum operations and deliver significantly greater computational capability than today's quantum computers. Starling is expected to be followed by Blue Jay, IBM's next-generation fault-tolerant quantum computer, targeted for the mid-2030s. The acquisition also complements IBM's broader innovation and investment in quantum manufacturing and infrastructure. HRL's expertise in silicon-based quantum technologies creates opportunities for future collaboration with Anderon, IBM's pure-play quantum wafer foundry, supporting scalable manufacturing approaches and accelerating learning cycles across multiple quantum computing modalities. Boeing and General Motors, HRL's former owners, will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information. Media contact: SOURCE IBM
HRL Laboratories has published research in Nature demonstrating a self-operating quantum processor. The system features a custom CMOS controller operating at –450°F inside a cryostat, which autonomously runs error correction for their 18-qubit devices without real-time input from room-temperature electronics. The architecture uses a new high-density superconducting ribbon cable that transmits control signals to qubits whilst preventing heat transfer. The system achieves control errors ten times lower than previous demonstrations with this qubit type, with operations completing in under a microsecond. This marks the first time error correction has been executed entirely by a cryogenic controller. HRL aims to build quantum computers using standard microchip production lines, keeping costs low for broader commercial and scientific applications. IBM recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire HRL to strengthen its quantum computing capabilities.
Boeing divesting stake in joint venture with quantum expertise. Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 IBM [IBM] on Thursday said it agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, LLC, a joint venture between Boeing [BA] and General Motors [GM], to strengthen its capabilities in quantum computing. Deal terms were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the third quarter. HRL has expertise in silicon-spin qubit engineering, quantum sensing and materials. The Malibu, Calif.-based company also has expertise in sensors, high-speed and high-power communications, electronics, advanced manufacturing and materials science... Not a subscriber or registered user yet? Please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 888-707-5814 (Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET.), to start a free trial, get pricing information, order a reprint, or post an article link on your website.
IBM has agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, a quantum computing research lab jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors. The deal adds electron spin quantum circuits to IBM's existing superconductor-based approach, giving the company a dual-track quantum computing strategy. HRL, formerly the research arm of Hughes Aircraft and based near Malibu, California, specialises in electron spin qubits. These circuits can be manufactured much smaller than superconducting circuits using the same chip fabrication equipment. Jay Gambetta, director of IBM Research, said the company believes the future lies in electron spins, superconductors, or a combination of both. HRL's team will begin producing chips at IBM's New York facility. Boeing and GM will continue partnering with IBM on quantum technologies after the transaction. The acquisition follows Google's earlier move to add neutral atom technology to its quantum computing portfolio.