Quantum Cryogenic Scientist

HRL Laboratories pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers - ready for real-world application. For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other \— often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

HRL Laboratories advances critical structural and functional materials and semiconductor devices that enable precision navigation, quantum technologies and extreme-environment performance. With expertise from design through deployment, we deliver scalable, high-performance solutions that transform our customers’ missions. Our work leverages digital manufacturing and scalable microfabrication techniques to meet tomorrow’s toughest challenges.

Essential Duties:

• Lead the development of cryogenic hardware to support spin qubit devices, including evaluation and implementation of environmental control requirements.

• Lead cryogenic system design and associated measurements by translating system-level requirements into hardware specifications and test strategies.

• Develop, execute, and optimize experimental plans to validate cryogenic system performance and support device characterization.

• Collaborate effectively within a dynamic, cross-functional engineering team, contributing constructively to technical problem-solving and program execution.

• Communicate technical concepts, experimental results, and project status clearly through oral presentations, written reports, and scientific publications.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on quantum devices, quantum systems, or quantum technologies; minimum of 2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience required.

• Demonstrated expertise in modern experimental cryogenic physics techniques, including troubleshooting of cryogenic/mechanical hardware, analog electronics, and low-noise measurement systems.

• Strong knowledge of thermal modeling and simulation tools, as well as scientific programming for data analysis, instrumentation control, and hardware interfacing.

• Proven ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively through technical presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and cross-functional collaboration.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely climb ladders and access elevated test equipment as needed.

• Ability to work safely and effectively in a laboratory environment, including adherence to laboratory safety protocols.

• Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.

Special Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance as required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range

: $154,500 - $197,900

• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range 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

• Benefits:

HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment

• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: https://www.hrl.com/careers/benefits

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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.

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees \& Job Applicants \| U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

For our privacy policy please visit: www.hrl.com/privacy

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.