HRL Laboratories

HQ
Malibu
Total Offices: 4
850 Total Employees
Year Founded: 1997

What's It Like to Work at HRL Laboratories in Malibu?

Updated on September 05, 2026

What's it like to work at HRL Laboratories?

The Malibu office is characterized by mission-driven, hands-on research supported by robust benefits and on-site amenities that reflect a campus-style environment. Together, these dynamics suggest the Malibu location offers a well-supported setting for technical contributors who value impactful work with quality-of-life programs.

Key Insight for Candidates

Malibu’s hilltop HQ is an immersive, hands-on R&D campus—extensive labs and cleanrooms bring physicists, materials scientists, software and device engineers together, supported by on‑site amenities like an ocean‑view café and fitness options. This setup accelerates cross‑disciplinary collaboration and turns cutting‑edge work into real‑world impact.

Evidence in Action

  • Small Company Collaboration 'Small company atmosphere' with collaboration across physicists, materials scientists, software, and device engineers is a documented organizational pattern in Malibu. It streamlines cross‑lab problem solving and gives employees easy access to diverse expertise on campus.
  • 9/80 Schedule Cadence 9/80 schedules are recurring employee feedback for Malibu teams. Employees leverage the schedule to recharge and handle logistics, supporting focused on‑site lab time without eroding project momentum.

Positive Themes About HRL Laboratories

  • Mission & Purpose: Teams in Malibu tackle cutting-edge, mission-oriented R&D in quantum, sensors, microelectronics, autonomy, and advanced materials, building on a legacy that includes the first laser. The work is portrayed as meaningful and hands-on, with cross-disciplinary collaboration across physicists, materials scientists, software, and device engineers.
  • Benefits & Perks: The Malibu location features on-site amenities such as an ocean-view café and fitness options, alongside comprehensive health coverage, employer-paid vision and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, HSA contributions, and fully paid parental leave. Company materials highlight these offerings specifically at the Malibu campus.
  • Work-Life Balance: The Malibu office is associated with flexible schedules (including 9/80 in some teams) and a generally manageable pace that supports taking time off. Time-off policies are described as generous, with separate sick time and paid time off available immediately upon hire.
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