This role involves leading research and development in ML and AI, designing algorithms, developing language models, and enhancing human-AI systems. Requires collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and staying updated with industry trends.
General Description:
Join a dynamic research team pushing the boundaries of intelligent systems. This role offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact on high-profile, mission-driven projects involving machine learning, generative AI, cognitive modeling, and human-machine teaming. You will support shaping the future of adaptive software systems through cutting-edge R&D and prototype development.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and contribute to research, engineering, and software development efforts in the following areas: Develop intelligent, adaptive AI systems by designing algorithms for sensor data processing, LLM and multimodal reasoning, and human-AI collaboration; apply cognitive science to improve explainability, trust, and performance in real-world settings.
Additional responsibilities include:
Solving complex customer challenges and contributing to technical proposals.
Authoring invention disclosures, research publications, and customer briefings.
Demonstrating prototypes and supporting marketing of organizational capabilities.
Required skills & expertise:
Candidates should have research or development experience in one or more of the following areas:
Software Engineering: Experience building scalable systems, APIs, and containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
LLMs & NLP: Deep understanding of transformer architectures, prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
Human-Machine Interaction: Familiarity with cognitive architectures, user modeling, neurophysiological sensing, and human subjects research methods.
Data Analytics: Strong skills in data wrangling, feature engineering, and statistical modeling using Python.
Machine Learning & AI: Expertise in supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning; hands-on experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
Required Education:
MS or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Math, Cognitive Science, or related fields.
3–5 years of experience in applied ML or AI research, preferably in high-stakes or mission-critical domains.
Experience with government-funded R&D programs (e.g., DARPA, IARPA, ARPA-H) is a plus.
Soft skills:
Strong interdisciplinary communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to work in fast-paced, exploratory research environments.
Curiosity-driven mindset with a passion for solving complex problems.
Special Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance, or permanent resident status required.
Compensation:
The base salary range for this full-time position is $140,700 - $175,900 + bonus + benefits.
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target 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. Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary only, and do not include potential bonus or benefits.
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.
”This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.” That are US Person.
Top Skills
Docker
Jax
Kubernetes
Python
PyTorch
TensorFlow
HRL Laboratories Malibu, California, USA Office
We are nestled on the Malibu mountainside overlooking the Pacific!
HRL Laboratories Calabasas, California, USA Office
26800 Agoura Rd, Calabasas, CA, United States, 91301
HRL Laboratories Camarillo, California, USA Office
741 Calle Plano, Camarillo, CA, United States, 93012
Similar Jobs at HRL Laboratories
Computer Vision • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Semiconductor • Quantum Computing • Defense
The candidate will develop database infrastructure and software for semiconductor yield analysis, involving data extraction, statistical analysis, and technical communication.
Top Skills:
PythonSQL
Computer Vision • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Semiconductor • Quantum Computing • Defense
Lead R&D initiatives in materials and digital manufacturing, innovate quality control methods, and utilize machine learning for engineering solutions.
Top Skills:
AbaqusC++ComsolInventorKerasMoosePythonPyTorchScikit-LearnSolidworksTensorFlow
Computer Vision • Hardware • Machine Learning • Software • Semiconductor • Quantum Computing • Defense
The Quality Control Inspector conducts inspections, documents findings, ensures compliance to standards, and collaborates with teams to improve processes in the aerospace sector.
Top Skills:
CalipersCmmConfluenceDynafactErp Systems (CostpointMesMS OfficeMultimetersOptical ScopesSharepoint)Windchill Plm
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

