Computational Scientist, Metal Additive Manufacturing

Dodmg; Malibu (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

HRL Laboratories in California seeks a scientist to advance metal additive manufacturing and grow into leadership roles, conceiving and leading new research initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or Postdoc, strong computational modeling skills, and experience with AI/ML methods, FEA tools, and Python/C++. The role emphasizes collaboration, scalable solutions, and high-impact deliverables.

Qualifications

• PhD or Postdoctoral experience in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in computational modeling and familiarity with AI/ML methods for materials and process optimization.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and mesoscale modeling techniques.
• Proficiency in Python or C++ for data analysis and simulation workflows.
• Experience with machine learning libraries (e.g., Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Experience with Scientific Machine Learning for surrogate models.
• Experience in technical presentations and journal publications.

Responsibilities

• Support advanced R&D programs in metal additive manufacturing with interdisciplinary teams.
• Plan and execute analytical and computational modeling focusing on continuum methods and digital twins.
• Communicate modeling results via presentations, technical reports, and discussions with sponsors.
• Translate materials and process understanding into practical, scalable additive manufacturing solutions.
• Plan and manage project components including timelines, deliverables, and resources.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate models and refine predictive capabilities.
• Present at conferences and publish in journals.

Skills

PhD/Postdoc experience

Computational modeling

FEA (ABAQUS/COMSOL/MOOSE)

Programming Python/C++

Machine learning libraries

Scientific Machine Learning

Technical communication

Education

PhD or Postdoc in Materials Science/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ABAQUS

COMSOL

MOOSE

Python

C++

Scikit-Learn

PyTorch

Keras

TensorFlow

Job description

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 advances critical structural and functional materials and semiconductor devices that enable precision navigation, quantum technologies and extreme-environment performance. With expertise from design through deployment, we deliver scalable, high-performance solutions that transform our customers’ missions. Our work leverages digital manufacturing and scalable microfabrication techniques to meet tomorrow’s toughest challenges.

Position Summary:

In this role, you will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on a high-profile, America Makes funded project shaping the future of metal additive manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have an interest in growing into a Principal Investigator (PI) that will conceive, propose and lead new research initiatives.

Essential Duties:

• Support advanced R&D programs [TS1.1]in metal additive manufacturing, working closely with interdisciplinary teams to drive scientific and technological breakthroughs
• Plan and execute analytical and computational analysis and modeling with a focus on continuum methods and digital twin development
• Communicate complex modeling results clearly through presentations, technical reports, and collaborative discussions with team members, management and project sponsors
• Translate fundamental materials and process understanding into practical, scalable solutions for real-world additive manufacturing applications
• Plan and manage key project components—including timelines, deliverables, and resources—to ensure successful execution and meaningful impact
• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate models, compare simulation outputs with measurement data, and refine predictive capabilities.
• Interact with the broader community by presenting at conferences and publishing in journals

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or Postdoctoral experience in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Strong foundation in computational modeling and familiarity with current and emerging AI/ ML methods relevant to materials and process optimization
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis FEA (e.g., ABAQUS, COMSOL, MOOSE)
• Experience with mesoscale microstructure modeling techniques such as phase field, cellular automata, and kinetic Monte Carlo methods
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++ for data analysis and integration with simulation workflows
• Experience using machine learning libraries such as Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, Keras, or TensorFlow to solve engineering and materials science problems
• Experience with Scientific Machine Learning (SciML) for surrogate model development
• Experience in scientific communication through technical presentations and journal publications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments
• Experience with Laser Powder Bed Fusion metal additive manufacturing

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform extended computational modeling and analysis at a workstation

Special Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

CompensationandBenefits:

• 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 targetrangefor 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 pleasevisit: www.hrl.com/privacy