Designs, characterizes, and validates cryogenic mixed-signal electronics for semiconductor spin-qubit control and readout. Responsibilities include RF/microwave measurements, high-speed digital design, PCB and silicon bring-up, FPGA/ASIC verification, laboratory testing, automated test development, data analysis, and hardware debugging. The engineer collaborates with scientists and cross-functional teams to improve qubit control fidelity, signal integrity, noise performance, and system reliability.
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.
As an Electronics Development Engineer, you will contribute to the design, characterization, and validation of cryogenic mixed signal hardware used for qubit control and readout. This role involves low temperature measurements, RF/microwave techniques, high speed digital design, and hardware–firmware co design. Working closely with scientists and engineers, you will help develop custom electronics, automate test workflows, analyze complex data, and solve high impact challenges in qubit control performance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Build an understanding of cryogenic electronics and how control and readout signals enable qubit operations at low temperatures
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to help define qubit control and readout requirements across mixed signal, RF/microwave, and high-speed digital domains
• Assist in the design, implementation, and documentation of measurement techniques for characterizing qubit control electronics, including low temperature characterization, signal and power integrity, and RF/microwave performance
• Contribute to the design, specification, and validation of custom mixed signal and RF/microwave hardware, including PCB design, board bring up, and silicon bring up
• Support hardware-firmware co-design efforts, including FPGA and ASIC verification focused on timing, waveform fidelity, and interface correctness
• Develop and maintain automated test procedures and lab automation workflows using modern instrumentation and scripting tools
• Perform laboratory measurements, including those involving spin qubits, to evaluate control system fidelity, noise performance, and overall robustness
• Analyze test data, support root cause debugging, and provide engineering recommendations to improve hardware performance
• Work closely with cross-functional technical teams to address challenges in qubit control, cryogenic electronics reliability, and mixed signal system behavior
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field
• 2+ years of industry, research, or graduate-level experience in mixed signal electronics, with exposure to RF/microwave measurements, high-speed digital design, cryogenic electronics, or low-noise analog signal paths
• Familiarity with electronic measurement techniques, including signal integrity and power integrity evaluation, RF characterization, or low-temperature test setups
• Exposure to PCB design or board bring-up workflows; familiarity with hardware-firmware co-design or FPGA/ASIC verification is a plus
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and debugging skills across hardware, test equipment, and measurement environments
• Experience with automated testing, lab automation tools, or data analysis using scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams across physics, computer science, data science, and engineering disciplines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting measurements, analysis results, and engineering recommendations
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to climb ladders to use elevated test equipment
• Must be able to work safely in a laboratory environment and be on-site at least 4 days a week
Special Requirements:
US Person Status
Compensation and Benefits:
- Pay Range: $105,700 - $132,150
- 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
HRL Laboratories is an IBM subsidiary which has been acquired by IBM. By proceeding with this application, you understand that HRL Laboratories will share your personal information with other IBM affiliates involved in your recruitment process, wherever these are located. More information on how IBM protects your personal information, including the safeguards applicable to cross-border data transfers, is available here.
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