HRL Laboratories
Machine Learning Engineer - Advanced AI and Cognitive Systems
Be an Early Applicant
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.
Essential Duties:
Lead and contribute to research, engineering, and software development efforts in the following areas:
Design and implement algorithms for sensor data processing, system adaptation, and intelligent decision-making.
Develop and fine-tune large language models (LLMs) and multimodal AI systems to reason over software, documentation, and human feedback.
Apply cognitive science principles to enhance explainability, trust, and collaborative performance in human-AI systems.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to test and refine solutions in realistic operational scenarios.
Additional responsibilities include:
Stay current with emerging trends in ML, AI, and cognitive systems.
Solve complex customer challenges and contributing to technical proposals.
Authorize invention disclosures, research publications, and customer briefings.
Demonstrate prototypes and supporting marketing of organizational capabilities.
Required Skills:
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, and explainable AI (XAI).
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.
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.
Required Education:
MS or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, 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.
Special Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance, or permanent resident status
Compensation:
The base salary range for this full-time position is $132,765 - $165,983 + 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
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