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HRL Laboratories

Cognitive systems R&D for human-machine collaboration

Electrical Test Engineer - Advanced Sensors

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$128k - $159.9k
Mid
Bachelor's, Master's
Malibu, CA, USA
In PersonOnsite in Malibu, California.
Hardware EngineeringHardware Validation & Testing
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship Required

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, Electronics Technology, Physics, or a related field is required.
  • At least 3 years of related hands-on electronics experience is required.
  • Experience managing production and test documentation, requirements validation, and artifact production is required.
  • Knowledge of fundamental electrical engineering and circuit design principles is required.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools for data analysis and automation is required.
  • Experience using test equipment such as VNA, TDR, or an oscilloscope is required.
  • Strong hardware fundamentals in analog, digital, mixed-signal, and power electronics, and understanding of their interactions with embedded firmware, are required.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
  • Ability to work well in a team and independently is required.
  • Ability to lift moderate-sized test equipment and climb ladders and scaffolding is required.
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance are required.
Responsibilities
  • Develop system-level validation by defining test plans, developing pass/fail criteria, and ensuring release readiness through robust test coverage and reproducible results.
  • Partner cross-functionally to ensure requirements flow down, system integration readiness, and technical documentation needed for transition to low-rate production.
  • Maintain configuration control, support engineering change processes, and prepare prototypes and early-production IMUs for external evaluation and qualification.
  • Perform testing, characterization, and assembly of advanced electronic and hardware assemblies.
  • Analyze, report, and present test results to technical staff and management.
  • Operate electronic test equipment to verify, evaluate, and troubleshoot instrumentation systems and components.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with IMU or MEMS development, including prototype bring-up and performance validation.
  • Experience with IMU test equipment, including vibration systems, shock testers, rate tables, centrifuges, and thermal chambers, and with test automation/instrumentation interfaces.
  • Hands-on experience with GNC integration, test, and evaluation.
  • Proficiency using computers, engineering workstations, and electronic equipment; experience communicating orally and in writing and interacting with vendors and colleagues; and willingness to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Experience with Xilinx Vivado, UltraScale architectures, or ASIC platforms.
  • Experience reading schematic designs using tools such as Altium Designer.

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

7%

1 year growth

7%

2 year growth

7%
IBM
Sep 20th, 2026
IBM Completes Acquisition of HRL Laboratories to Accelerate the Future of Quantum

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.

PR Newswire
Aug 26th, 2026
IBM completes acquisition of HRL Laboratories to accelerate the future of quantum.

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

Business Wire
Jul 29th, 2026
HRL's silicon quantum processor runs autonomously with cryogenic control chip at –450°F

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.

Defense Daily
Jul 23rd, 2026
Boeing divesting stake in joint venture with quantum expertise.

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.

Channel NewsAsia
Jul 23rd, 2026
IBM buys HRL Laboratories to add electron spin qubits to quantum strategy

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.