Senior Mechanical Engineer, Infrared Systems

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.

HRL Laboratories pioneers world-class infrared sensor systems for aerospace and defense, enhancing national capabilities through innovative solutions. We collaborate closely with our customers to transform emerging needs into high-performance outcomes. Our business model leverages our focus on advanced research and product delivery, ensuring customer satisfaction and mission success.

HRL is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, qualification, and production of advanced infrared imaging systems. This role focuses on infrared detector packaging, Integrated Dewar Assemblies (IDAs), cold-stage design, cryogenic hardware, and precision electro-mechanical systems. The successful candidate will serve as a key technical contributor and provide technical leadership commensurate with experience, influencing packaging architectures, engineering best practices, and design decisions across multiple development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of infrared detector packaging, cold stages, IDAs, and related electro-mechanical assemblies
• Defind packaging architectures and perform design trade studies supporting next generation infrared sensing products
• Perform thermal, structural, tolerance, and reliability analyses to support product design and qualification
• Generate CAD models, drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and engineering documnentation
• Apply GD&T principles to ensure manufacturability, assembly, inspection, and product performance requirements are achieved
• Support environmental, thermal, vibration, shock, vacuum, and qualification testing efforts
• Participate in customer reviews, design reviews, and technical interchange meetings
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship as appropriate

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Significant experience in precision mechanical design and advanced product development
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD tools and engineering drawing creation
• Deep understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, materials selection, manufacturing methods, and engineering analysis techniques
• Familiarity with AS9100-controlled engineering and manufacturing environments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work for extended periods while standing or sitting at a computer workstation
• Familiarity standard laboratory and manufacturing safety procedures
• Sufficient mobility to work within laboratory, cleanroom and manufacturing environments

Special Requirements

• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance
• Must be able to work flexible hours

Pay Range: $172,900 - $221,600

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.