HRL Laboratories
Focal Plane Engineer
About this role
HRL Laboratories seeks a Focal Plane Engineer to lead semiconductor process development and manufacturing for infrared focal plane arrays in aerospace and defense applications. You'll manage the full manufacturing lifecycle, optimize production processes, and serve as the technical interface between internal foundry operations, customers, and external partners.
What you'll do
- Develop and optimize semiconductor processes and integration schemes for infrared focal plane array manufacturing
- Create, execute, and manage FPA manufacturing plans with full stakeholder approval and documentation
- Perform root cause analysis, corrective actions, and troubleshooting for complex manufacturing issues
- Support mask design, tape-out activities, and process design rule compliance reviews
- Analyze manufacturing and process data using statistical methods (SPC, DOE) to drive continuous improvement
- Interface with customers, program stakeholders, subcontractors, and vendors to translate requirements into engineering priorities
What they're looking for
- Semiconductor fabrication and process development
- Focal plane array (FPA) and infrared sensor design knowledge
- Statistical analysis and data-driven decision making (JMP, SPC, DOE)
- Cleanroom fabrication and semiconductor device physics
- Root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA)
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Technical communication and customer interface skills
- Manufacturing and industrial engineering principles
Benefits
- Competitive salary $140,700 - $175,950
- Work on cutting-edge infrared sensor systems for aerospace and defense
- Collaborate with world-class research and engineering teams
- Opportunity to drive product innovation and manufacturing excellence
- Access to advanced fabrication facilities and technology
- Purpose-driven work with Boeing and GM-backed organization
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HRL Laboratories
HRL Laboratories develops advanced sensors, actuators, and hardware systems for aerospace, defense, and quantum computing applications, leveraging expertise in MEMS microfabrication, electro-mechanical design, and mixed-signal electronics. The company is hiring process engineers, mechanical designers, and hardware engineers to scale innovative technologies from research prototypes into production-ready systems.
View all jobs at HRL LaboratoriesLikely interview questions
- Walk us through a complex manufacturing or process issue you identified and resolved—what was your analytical approach?
- Describe your experience translating device performance requirements into specific process parameters and tolerances.