Senior Systems Engineer, Infrared Systems

About the role

You will serve as the main technical point of contact for our infrared sensor systems, owning the end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle from initial concept through final delivery. You will translate complex customer needs into rigorous system requirements and maintain traceability across all project phases. This role requires driving critical architecture decisions for advanced IR sensor products while leading cross-disciplinary engineering teams. You will conduct objective technical trade studies and make key engineering choices that shape system performance and reliability. The position involves proactive oversight of system-level risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies. You will plan and execute verification and validation programs tailored to emerging technologies and government qualification needs. Finally, you will manage configuration control, support change management, and facilitate the smooth transition of technologies from prototype stages to production scale-up.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Assume end-to-end ownership of system engineering activities for infrared sensor programs, ensuring alignment with strategic roadmaps.
• Translate ambiguous customer demands into precise system requirements with full traceability and documentation.
• Architect complex infrared imaging solutions that meet demanding performance, size, weight, and power constraints.
• Lead cross-functional requirement allocation sessions, ensuring clarity and consistency across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
• Execute rigorous technical trade studies to evaluate alternative design approaches and select optimal solutions.
• Drive system-level failure mode analysis and risk mitigation planning throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Develop and oversee verification test plans that validate performance against stringent government and aerospace standards.
• Coordinate with external suppliers and internal specialists to resolve integration challenges and technical dependencies.
• Maintain authoritative configuration baselines and manage proposed changes through formal control processes.
• Guide the transition of technologies from experimental prototypes to robust low-rate production designs.
• Interface directly with DoD and NASA stakeholders to ensure all program governance and compliance expectations are met.
• Champion continuous improvement by incorporating lessons learned into future system designs and processes.
• Represent HRL Laboratories as the definitive technical authority on infrared systems during customer engagements.
• Foster collaborative team environments that encourage innovative thinking and rigorous analytical problem-solving.
• Ensure all system documentation is accurate, current, and suitable for audit and regulatory review.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering with a minimum of 6 years of progressive R&D experience in components, devices, or microsystems.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication and presentation abilities to engage effectively with customers, leadership, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Show a proven history of successfully moving technologies from research concepts into prototypes or low-volume production environments.
• Possess documented experience delivering systems to DoD, NASA, or aerospace standards while exercising technical leadership.
• Exhibit strong competence in data analysis and statistical methods to evaluate performance, verification results, and sensor capabilities.
• Have in-depth knowledge of infrared camera system architectures, operational applications, and established testing methodologies.
• Be familiar with wafer fabrication processes, advanced packaging techniques, microelectronics design, and full system integration practices.
• Maintain eligibility for U.S. Government security clearance, with U.S. Citizenship being a mandatory requirement.

Nice to have

Only items specified in the SOURCE are included under Requirements; there are no additional Nice to have qualifications listed in the SOURCE text.

Practical notes

This is a regular full-time position based in Camarillo, California. Candidates must be eligible for U.S. Government security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship. The listed compensation range of $154,500 to $197,900 is specific to California locations and is determined by role level, candidate expertise, and relevant experience. HRL Laboratories offers a comprehensive benefits package for Regular/Full-Time employees, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K matching, gym facilities, paid time off, sick leave, and opportunities for professional growth. The company is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace policy that includes pre-employment substance abuse testing.