Computational Chemist, Materials Discovery
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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 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.
Essential Duties:
• Lead cutting-edge R&D initiatives within a highly interdisciplinary environment that requires collaboration with chemists, physicists, and engineers.
• The research encompasses programs spanning optical materials, magnetic materials, and polymer science with a strong emphasis on computational modeling and materials theory.
Required Qualifications:
• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering with a strong emphasis on material discovery.
• Excellent theoretical foundation in atomistic modeling and strong knowledge of current and emerging ML/AI techniques relevant to candidate generation and data insights as part of a materials discovery pipeline.
• Expert-level ability in materials modeling, particularly in understanding at least one of light-matter interaction across a broad range of materials and photonic devices, magnetic property prediction, or polymer modeling.
• The ability to lead the development of computational platforms for materials discovery is critical for success.
• Generate ideas for new research programs, market ideas, and write proposals for funding. Lead program teams for awarded projects.
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
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• Strong experience in atomistic material simulation within frameworks such as density functional theory (DFT) or molecular dynamics. Experience with HPC environments and job scheduling is a significant advantage.
• Highly proficient in programming languages like Python or C++ for data analysis and integration with simulation workflows.
• Experience with system simulations in tools such as Lumerical, ZEMAX, or COMSOL is a plus.
• Creation of technology roadmaps, writing competitive research proposals, leading teams of scientists, and working with external funding agencies is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of experimental techniques such as thin-film fabrication, wet chemistry, and solid-state sample preparation is a plus, but not the primary focus.
Physical Requirements:
• Must be capable of performing extended analysis at computer workstations.
• Must be able to work safely in an optical, electrical testing and wet chemistry laboratory.
Special Requirements:
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance.
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
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- Fitness Subsidies
- On-Site Gym
- Mental Health Benefits
- FSA
Parental Benefits
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
- Flexible Work Hours
- Four-Day Work Week
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- Snacks
- Some Meals Provided
- Company Outings
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K)
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Learning and Development Stipend
- Promote From Within
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Professional Coaching
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
Diversity and Inclusion
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
- Unconscious Bias Training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program