Research Engineer, Formal Methods
Harmonic
Palo Alto, CA · Posted August 24, 2026
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Where Palo Alto, CA ranks
Where Palo Alto, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #3Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills28% · of 100
- #3Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the West Coast28% · of 54
- #3Best cities for AI-skill jobs37% · of 100
- #3Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the West Coast37% · of 71
- #4Best cities for data and analytics pay after cost of living$207k · of 28
- #4Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals83 / 100 · of 100
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 40 open research engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $190,000 to $280,000 and the median is $250,000.
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AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
ABOUT HARMONIC
At Harmonic, we believe the future of AI depends on proof. Most AI makes its best guess. Aristotle uses formal methods and reinforcement learning to check its own reasoning and results.
AI agents can write software in seconds, but edge cases and silent bugs still get through. We're building the verification engine to find them before code ships. With support for C and Verilog, Aristotle is built for the hardware and software where failure is expensive.
Backed by some of the world’s most prominent investors, we are intentionally scaling an elite technical team.
Try Aristotle for yourself here https://aristotle.harmonic.fun/!
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Engineer to join our Formal Methods team. The initial focus of this position will be on pushing the limits of AI based theorem proving for verification of software and/or hardware. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing new approaches to express and prove important software and hardware properties, work with AI researchers to train and develop AI systems to reliably check them.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct research in formal methods for verification of software, hardware and mathematical domains
- Apply formal verification techniques using Lean or similar frameworks to formally verify safety critical systems
- Develop and implement algorithms and techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of formal methods for AI systems
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Mathematics, a related technical field, or equivalent industry experience
- Basic proficiency in python
- Proficiency and practical experience with at least one proof assistant (e.g., Lean, Coq, Isabelle, Agda) and a strong foundation in formal methods and mathematical logic
- Experience driving highly technical research projects from early concept to delivery
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Expert level knowledge of Lean4
- PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related technical field
- Experience verifying programs in safety critical fields such as; aerospace/defense, automotive, medical, cryptography, etc
- Proven track record in research or development of programming languages
- Proven track record of high-quality research demonstrated by publications, patents, or software contributions
- Contributions to open-source projects or development of software tools in the field
WHAT WE OFFER
- Unlimited PTO
- 401(k) matching
- 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for employees and 50% coverage for dependents. Harmonic offers varied health coverage options to select what is best for you and your family.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) available for qualifying health plans
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Harmonic is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.