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Machine Learning Engineer - Advanced AI and Cognitive Systems

Summary

Develops advanced AI models and cognitive systems for autonomous decision-making, integrating neurophysiological and sensor data to enhance human-machine collaboration in mission-driven R&D programs.

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 develops robust intelligent systems that deliver adaptable, autonomous performance improvement solutions for complex missions. Our teams advance human-machine synergy, operationalized machine learning models and complex systems analytics and agents to create scalable, secure technologies. We design novel algorithms and mission-ready solutions that strengthen decision making for autonomous and human-guided systems across national security and commercial applications.

Position Summary:

Join a research team advancing next generation intelligent systems. This role focuses on machine learning, multimodal AI, cognitive state sensing, and cognitive modeling. You will help develop adaptive software prototypes for mission driven R&D programs.

Essential Duties:

Lead and contribute to research, engineering, and software development efforts in the following areas:
• Build AI models that integrate neurophysiological, behavioral, and sensor data for cognitive aware decision support
• Develop algorithms for cognitive state estimation and user modeling
• Apply cognitive science to improve explainability, trust, and human AI collaboration
• Contribute to proposals, publications, invention disclosures, and customer briefings
• Demonstrate prototypes and support capability outreach

Required Qualifications:

Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Human Machine Interaction: Cognitive architectures, neurophysiological sensing, behavioral analytics, human subjects methods
• Cognitive Modeling: Cognitive state estimation and computational models.
• LLMs & Multimodal AI: Transformers, prompt design, fine tuning, RAG, with emphasis on integrating human state and environmental context.
• Software Engineering: Scalable systems, APIs, Docker, and containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Machine Learning & AI: Supervised/unsupervised learning, RL; PyTorch/TensorFlow/JAX.
• Data Analytics: Feature engineering, statistical modeling in Python.
• MS or Ph.D. in Applied Math, Cognitive Science, or related fields.
• 3–5 years of applied ML/AI experience.
• Experience with government funded R&D programs (DARPA/IARPA/ARPA H) is a plus.
• 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.

Special Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range: $140,700 - $175,950
• 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:

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:

What this application asks

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Resume/CV, Full name, Pronouns, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL

  • Have you ever been employed by HRL Laboratories, LLC: choose one
  • Are you currently related to any current employees of HRL Laboratories? If Yes, please indicate their name and job title below. Do not include any information relating to marital status. written answer
  • Were you referred to this role by an HRL Employee? If yes, who? written answer
  • How did you first hear about HRL? choose one
  • If you selected Other, Industry Event, HRL Employee, HRL Recruiter or Career Fair; could you briefly describe who and/ or where? written answer · optional
  • Have you ever had a security clearance? If Yes, give name of employer, clearance level, and inclusive dates: written answer
  • Are you able to obtain a security clearance? choose one
  • What are your salary expectations? written answer
  • This is not a remote role. Are you open to work onsite at HRL? choose one
  • To comply with U.S. Export Control requirements, U.S. Person status as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. Which of the following best describes your U.S. Person status (C)? choose one
  • CERTIFICATION STATEMENT Note: All job offers are contingent on your furnishing proof of your authorization to work in the United States. • I certify that all answers and information I have given to the foregoing questions and statements are true and correct, and I authorize HRL Laboratories (“HRL”) to verify them. • Except as otherwise may be provided by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement applicable to me, I understand and agree that if I become employed by HRL, my employment will be for an indefinite length of time and will be entirely at will; that is, the relationship may be terminated by either HRL or me at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice. • I further understand and agree that this statement constitutes the sole and entire agreement between HRL and me concerning the length or nature of my employment with HRL, and it supersedes all prior representations and agreements, if any, concerning this matter and cannot be changed or amended in any respect except in a subsequent writing executed by the President of HRL. • I understand that HRL is a drug free work place and that if I am hired by HRL, I agree to submit to a drug test. • If, upon investigation, anything in this application is found to be untrue, I understand that I will be subject to dismissal at any time during the period of my employment with HRL. • I understand that, if employed by HRL, I may be assigned to a facility or shift at the sole discretion of HRL. • If I accept a position by HRL, I authorize HRL to conduct a background investigation that may include but not limited to past employment, education, and other activities such as my credit, criminal background, civil litigation history and driving record. If I am hired by HRL, I authorize HRL at any time during my employment, to obtain a new background investigation for the purposes of promoting, reassigning, or retaining me as an employee • I understand that HRL Laboratories (HRL) is a limited-liability corporation owned jointly by The Boeing Company and General Motors Corporation choose one

See also