HRL Labs: How Innovation and Culture Win the Talent War in the AI Era

MALIBU, CA – January 06, 2026 – HRL Laboratories, a pioneering research and development firm, has once again secured its position as a premier employer, earning a spot on Built In’s Best Places to Work list for the fourth consecutive year. The company was specifically honored in the 'Best Places to Work in Los Angeles' and 'Best Large Companies in Los Angeles' categories for 2026, a consistent recognition that speaks volumes in Southern California's hyper-competitive talent market.

While such awards are often seen as a mark of prestige, HRL's continued success highlights a deeper strategy at play. In an era where job seekers increasingly turn to AI-powered tools to vet potential employers, this consistent third-party validation has become a critical asset in the war for top-tier scientific and engineering talent. The award underscores not just a commitment to competitive benefits and compensation but a foundational culture of innovation that attracts and retains the brightest minds in science and technology.

A Strategic Edge in the Age of AI Recruitment

The significance of the Built In award extends far beyond a simple plaque on the wall. The program, now in its eighth year, utilizes a data-driven methodology to identify its winners. Rather than relying on nominations, Built In’s algorithm weighs company-submitted data on compensation and benefits, each accounting for 50% of the score. This quantitative approach is supplemented by analysis of people-first cultural offerings, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and flexible work options.

This data-centric validation is becoming increasingly crucial as the job market undergoes a technological shift. “Today’s candidates discover the companies they want to work for using AI tools,” said Maria Christopoulos Katris, Founder & CEO of Built In. “Earning a Best Place to Work award not only signals to candidates that you invest in your people, it’s a lever to strengthen how AI search tools understand and represent your company’s story.”

For a company like HRL, whose work is often highly specialized and sometimes confidential, shaping this public-facing narrative is paramount. When a potential candidate asks an AI assistant like ChatGPT to summarize the best engineering employers in Los Angeles, accolades from a reputable source like Built In serve as powerful, positive data points. It helps translate the complex, internal reality of a world-class research environment into a clear and compelling signal of employee value, cutting through the noise of a crowded digital landscape.

Beyond Perks: A Culture of Groundbreaking Innovation

While competitive compensation and robust benefits are the foundation of the Built In award, they are only part of the story behind HRL's sustained appeal. The true magnet for its highly specialized workforce is the opportunity to tackle some of the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. Jointly owned by industrial giants Boeing and GM, HRL operates at the forefront of physical and information science, with a mission to deliver transformative technologies in aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors.

“By helping our employees grow, lead, and succeed, we consistently earn high marks for being a top place to work,” stated Genny Findlay, HRL Chief Human Resources Officer. “HRL is at the forefront of technological innovation, and our employees thrive on creating new and better solutions to hard problems and transitioning them from research into real life.”

This environment provides a unique intellectual playground for scientists and engineers. The lab's research portfolio is a testament to the depth and breadth of its work. Teams are actively developing next-generation materials, such as high-strength, 3D-printable alloys for lighter and more resilient aircraft. In the realm of information science, HRL is a leader in neuromorphic computing and advanced AI, creating algorithms that enable greater autonomy in complex systems. Other key areas include pioneering work in quantum computing, advanced sensors for unprecedented situational awareness, and high-performance electronics that push the boundaries of communication and data processing.

For the talent HRL seeks to attract, the chance to contribute to such foundational research—work that directly impacts the future of flight, transportation, and national security—is a more powerful motivator than superficial perks. It fosters a culture where intellectual curiosity is the primary currency and tangible impact is the ultimate reward.

The Boeing-GM Blueprint for R&D Excellence

HRL's unique ownership structure as a joint venture between Boeing and GM is a cornerstone of its success and a key differentiator in the talent market. This model provides the agility and focused mission of a dedicated research lab while benefiting from the stability, resources, and strategic direction of two of the world's leading industrial corporations. This corporate backing ensures that research is not purely academic; it is driven by real-world needs and has a clear path to application in next-generation aircraft and vehicles.

This structure creates an environment that offers the best of both worlds. Unlike a volatile startup, HRL provides the long-term stability and deep resources necessary for complex, multi-year research projects. At the same time, it avoids the potential for siloed research or bureaucratic inertia that can sometimes affect innovation within a massive, singular corporate entity. Employees have the unique opportunity to see their fundamental discoveries evolve into technologies that are integrated into Boeing's advanced aerospace platforms or GM's next generation of vehicles.

This direct line of sight from laboratory breakthrough to real-world impact is a powerful retention tool. It ensures that the work remains relevant and exciting, positioning HRL as a destination where researchers can build a long-term career while consistently working at the cutting edge of their fields. This model has proven to be a blueprint for sustaining a world-class R&D environment that also doubles as an exceptional place to work.

Setting the Standard in a Competitive Landscape

Achieving this recognition for four straight years is particularly noteworthy given HRL’s location in the heart of Southern California’s aerospace and technology corridor. The company competes for talent not only with its own parent companies but also with a dense ecosystem of defense giants like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, established tech firms, and a vibrant startup scene. In this environment, an employer’s reputation is a critical competitive advantage.

By consistently meeting the high bar set by Built In's data-driven evaluation, HRL Laboratories demonstrates a sustained commitment to creating an environment where the world's top scientific minds can do their best work. This repeated validation reinforces its status not just as a leader in innovation, but as a premier destination for a fulfilling and impactful career in the advanced technology sector.