Group Lead, Firmware & Software

HRL Laboratories; Calabasas (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K match

PTO & Sick time

Job summary

HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, seeks a hands‑on Manager of the Firmware & Software group within Product Development to lead and contribute to embedded firmware, control software and test software for sensor systems.

The role combines ~25% management with 75% technical work, requiring strong C/C++, Python and HDL skills, plus experience with FPGAs, CI/CD and test automation. Security clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 7+ years of experience in embedded firmware or software development, including 2+ years as a technical lead or supervisor.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python; experience with HDL (Verilog/VHDL, HLS).
• Experience with FPGAs, DSPs and microcontrollers; Xilinx/AMD SoC experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with Git/GitLab and modern development practices (code review, CI/CD, unit testing).
• Experience with RF and high-speed digital test equipment.
• Ability to interact professionally with program managers, co-workers and customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of firmware and software engineers: assign work, recruit, mentor, and provide performance feedback.
• Serve as technical lead and SME for embedded control, FPGA/SoC firmware and system software across RF and sensor programs.
• Contribute hands-on design, coding, debugging and review of firmware and software deliverables.
• Define, document and enforce development best practices, including version control, merge requests, code review, CI/CD and unit testing.
• Support system integration and test, provide rapid design updates, and develop test automation for hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Estimate effort and schedule for firmware and software tasks, report status to program managers, and contribute to proposals and customer briefings.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded systems

Team leadership

Communication

Education

B.S. or M.S. in EE/CE/CS

Tools

Verilog/VHDL/HLS

FPGA/SoC

Git/GitLab CI/CD

Job description

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 develops radiofrequency, millimeter-wave and electro-optical sensors using state-of-the-art materials and device fabrication processes to deliver agile, mission-ready systems. Our high-performance solutions are highly integrated, architecturally low cost, and optimized for size, weight and power efficiency while leveraging commercial, custom and novel mixed-signal innovations.

We are seeking a hands‑on technical leader to serve as Manager of the Firmware & Software group within the Product Development team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Product Development. The group develops embedded firmware, control software and test software that make our sensor systems work. The role consists of roughly 25% management and 75% technical contributions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of firmware and software engineers: assign work, recruit, mentor, and provide formal and informal performance feedback
• Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert for embedded control, FPGA/SoC firmware and system software across RF and sensor programs
• Contribute hands‑on design, coding, debugging and review of firmware and software deliverables
• Define, document and enforce development best practices, including version control, merge requests, code review, CI/CD and unit testing
• Support system integration and test, providing rapid design updates, and develop test automation for hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing
• Estimate effort and schedule for firmware and software tasks, report status to program managers, and contribute to proposals and customer briefings

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science
• 7+ years of experience in embedded firmware or software development, including 2+ years as a technical lead or supervisor
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python; experience with HDL (Verilog/VHDL, HLS)
• Experience with FPGAs, DSPs and microcontrollers; Xilinx/AMD SoC experience strongly preferred
• Experience with Git/GitLab and modern development practices (code review, CI/CD, unit testing)
• Experience with RF and high-speed digital test equipment
• Ability to interact professionally with program managers, co-workers and customers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Embedded Linux and real‑time operating system experience
• Working knowledge of RF components, communication, radar or EW systems
• Experience delivering software under DoD documentation and configuration-management standards

Physical Requirements:

• Proficiency with computers, engineering workstations and complex electronic equipment; strong oral and written communication
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, both independently and in teams

Special Requirements:

• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance
• Active Clearance is a plus

Compensation and Benefits:

• 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.
• 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