Design & Optical Test Engineer

Requirements:

• Bachelors or masters degree in physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, or a related discipline
• Some experience with microfabrication, free-space or fiber optics, electronics, or computer-controlled experiments, gained through coursework, independent study, internships, or other means
• Strong interest in learning scientific laboratory techniques and experimental procedures
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment, with excellent communication skills
• Working knowledge of free-space optics, fiber optics, mechanical CAD software, and RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, power meters, and oscilloscopes
• Ability to work safely in an optical testing laboratory
• Strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills
• Proficiency with computers, engineering workstations, and complex electronic equipment
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Responsibilities:

• Design, build, test, and analyze optical, optoelectronic, and photonic experiments for quantum communications systems and platforms
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary R&D teams to advance quantum communications technologies
• Conduct engineering and R&D under staff scientist supervision on next-generation quantum photonic and electronic devices and deployable optical payloads
• Design, model, set up, and test free-space and fiber-optic experiments, and design and fabricate advanced semiconductor devices
• Improve processes; conduct measurements; collect, summarize, and analyze data; and present and discuss findings with other scientists
• Work with mechanical and electrical teams to troubleshoot complex systems

Technologies:

• AI
• IBM
• Security
• Support
• LESS

More

We are HRL Laboratories, an IBM-owned private company advancing physical and information science. For more than 70 years, our discoveries and engineering innovations have supported customers in automotive, aerospace, and defense, with work spanning structural and functional materials, semiconductor devices, precision navigation, quantum technologies, and extreme-environment performance. We develop scalable, high-performance solutions using digital manufacturing and microfabrication. The position is based in California, with a target salary range of $81,800–$98,900; individual pay depends on work location and job-related skills, experience, and education or training. Our full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k) match, gym facilities, paid time off, sick time, opportunities for advancement, and a challenging work environment. We encourage applications from candidates whose experience does not match every qualification. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, maintain a drug-free workplace, and conduct pre-employment substance-abuse testing. We may use AI tools to assist parts of our hiring process, but they do not replace human judgment; people make final hiring decisions.

last updated 43 week of 2026