Machine Learning Scientist (Contract to Hire)

About

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.

General Description

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.

Essential Duties

• Primary job function is to perform R&D and software development in machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, robotics, and other related areas.
• Tasks will include algorithm development, sensor data processing, data simulation, software implementation, hardware interfacing, and prototype development for a variety of applications.
• Additional job functions include staying up to date on emerging trends in machine learning, solving customer problems, writing invention disclosures, publishing papers, briefing customers, writing proposals, conducting prototype demonstrations, and assisting in marketing HRL expertise.

Required Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. in EE, Computer Science, Applied Math or related fields.
• Research experience in one or more of the following areas in machine learning, computer vision, robotics, object detection, semantic segmentation, pose estimation, 3D reconstruction, scene understanding, activity recognition, uncertainty quantification in machine learning, validation & verification, robotic simulations, Sim2Real, multi‑agent decision making for autonomous systems.
• Experience developing innovative solutions based upon the application of relevant research results from a wide variety of sources. Hands‑on experience with Python, C/C++, machine learning tools and packages (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow), 3D simulation and modeling tools (e.g., Blender, Unreal, Omniverse).

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Expertise in Deep Learning, Convolutional Neural Networks, Transformers, Recurrent Neural Networks, Generative AI, Adversarial AI, Multimodal AI, Large Language Models, and Reinforcement Learning.
• Expertise in computer vision, 2D or 3D object recognition, and pose estimation, robotic control and path planning, embedded processing, computer graphics topics such as camera projection and rendering.

Special Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required.

Compensation & Benefits

• $55 - $60 per hour (contract to hire)

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.

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