Component Design & Analysis Engineer

About the role

HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, 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 by IBM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

Qubit Systems Laboratory (QSL) is a world leader in semiconductor spin qubits. Our broad expertise spans semiconductor growth, device design and modeling, cryogenic control, high-density interconnects and packaging, quantum architecture, and multiqubit demonstrations. Our system architecture is built entirely around scalable semiconductor manufacturing to make quantum computing affordable for practical business and scientific applications.

General Description

The Integration Component Design and Analysis Engineer will develop interconnect and integration component architectures, perform high level designs and trade space analyses of alternatives, analyze RF and transmission line behavior including complex crosstalk and multi-conductor modal propagation behavior, and collaborate closely with foundry, packaging, and test teams to ensure robust integration and manufacturability in support of HRL’s silicon spin quantum computing efforts.

This role requires strong communication skills, deep familiarity with superconducting foundry processes, and the ability to model and analyze RF structures in cryogenic environments. The ideal candidate combines hands on design expertise with an understanding of materials interactions, process constraints, and superconducting test methods that inform design choices and development strategy.

Essential Duties

• Design, analyze, and refine superconducting and non-superconducting component structures-including packages, connectors, transmission lines, RF interconnects, and process dependent device geometries-ensuring compatibility with foundry capabilities and cryogenic requirements.
• Perform RF simulation and analysis of superconducting transmission lines using industry standard tools, evaluating impedance, loss mechanisms, dispersion, crosstalk, and parasitic behavior.
• Collaborate with other team members to precisely characterize components, and validate component performance and characteristics against requirements
• Incorporate deep knowledge of foundry processes, materials interactions, and interface behaviors into component and system level design choices.
• Serve as a key contributor to foundry related problem solving, supporting process development strategies in schedule constrained environments and advising on manufacturable design approaches.
• Apply familiarity with superconducting test methods and relevant theory to guide design decisions, interpret test data trends, and support development planning.
• Collaborate closely with integration, packaging, test, and process engineering teams to ensure alignment across design intent, fabrication capability, and system requirements.
• Document design methodologies, assumptions, simulation models, and validation outcomes; contribute to internal reviews and cross functional technical discussions.
• Communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations clearly to senior management while providing coordinated guidance to peer engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of wafer level and laminate foundry processes, materials interactions, film interfaces, and process constraints.
• Proficiency in RF design, transmission line theory, and modeling of superconducting RF structures.
• Experience with RF simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, Sonnet, COMSOL, ADS) and ability to interpret complex electromagnetic data.
• Familiarity with superconducting test methods sufficient to inform design choices, model assumptions, and development strategies.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills in semiconductor or superconducting foundry environments, particularly under constrained development schedules.
• Clear communication skills with the ability to interface with senior leadership while effectively coordinating across technical teams.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to integrate modeling data, foundry feedback, and material behavior into cohesive design and development recommendations.

Special Requirements

• US Person Status Required

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.

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.