Cryogenic Engineer

ALTEN Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Canada is seeking a Cryogenic Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and optimize cryogenic facilities. You will work with vendors and multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, compliant systems from design through commissioning, including liquefiers, storage, and transfer lines.

The role emphasizes hands-on fabrication, testing, and optimization, with collaboration across engineering, operations, and R&D. A strong background in thermodynamics and cryogenic engineering is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Cryogenic, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or related field.
• 6+ years in cryogenic engineering including design, commissioning, operation and optimization.
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and materials science.
• Experience with process modeling, heat/mass balance and cryogenic cycle analysis.
• Design, operation and optimization of hydrogen/helium cryogenic systems (liquefaction, storage, transfer, boil-off).
• Hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting and operation.
• Knowledge of cryogenic materials, welding, vacuum tech, leak detection.
• Experience with PLC-based instrumentation and process controls.
• Familiarity with ASME, API, CGA, NFPA, ISO cryogenic standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, test, commission, and optimize cryogenic systems and equipment.
• Support system testing, troubleshooting, and optimization activities.
• Collaborate with vendors/fabricators for material selection and compliance.
• Prepare system designs, PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment sizing calculations.
• Conduct risk assessments and safety reviews (HAZOPs/LOPAs).
• Oversee system commissioning, cool-down, startup, and performance testing.

Skills

Cryogenic engineering

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Mechanical design

Project management

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Cryogenic, Aerospace Engineering, Physics

Master’s degree or Ph.D. asset

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

FEA software

Job description

ALTEN is a global leader in Research & Development, Engineering, IT Services, Life Sciences, and Network Services. With a presence in more than 30 countries and a team of over 60,000 employees, we are trusted by industry leaders worldwide to deliver pioneering solutions and drive technical excellence. ALTEN CANADA, a proud subsidiary of ALTEN headquartered in France, is dedicated to serving the Canadian market. With offices in Montreal and Toronto, we combine global expertise with local insight to accelerate innovation across Canada.

At ALTEN CANADA, our consultants thrive on solving complex, highly technical challenges across diverse industries. From Life Sciences to Energy, Automation to Manufacturing, Aviation, Defense, Automotive, Rail and Transportation, to Information Systems and Telecommunications, our unwavering commitment to excellence is shaping the future of technology and industry.

Project Context

The Cryogenic Systems Engineer will design, develop, analyze, test, commission, and optimize cryogenic systems and equipment, including liquefiers, refrigerators, cryogenic distillation columns, storage vessels, transfer lines, dewars, and vacuum-insulated systems. This role involves supporting system testing, troubleshooting, optimizations, operations, and maintenance activities, as well as collaborating with vendors, fabrication teams, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, test, commission, and optimize cryogenic systems and equipment.
• Support system testing, troubleshooting, optimizations, operations, and maintenance activities, including performance monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with vendors and fabrication teams to ensure appropriate material selection, welding quality, pressure vessel compliance, and manufacturability.
• Develop and review system designs, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment specifications, heat and mass balances, cryogenic cycle analyses, and equipment sizing calculations.
• Conduct engineering risk assessments, hazard analyses, and safety reviews (e.g., HAZOPs, LOPAs) to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Oversee system commissioning activities, including cool-down, startup, performance testing, troubleshooting, and shutdown of cryogenic plants and equipment.
• Develop operating procedures, maintenance strategies, operating instructions, and technical documentation.
• Integrate cryogenic subsystems into industrial, energy, and research facilities, supporting system integration, installation, commissioning, and project execution.
• Support research and development activities involving advanced cryogenic technologies, helium recovery systems, isotope separation, and experimental research facilities.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Cryogenic, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. is considered an asset.
• 6+ years of experience in cryogenic engineering, including the design, commissioning, operation, and optimization of cryogenic systems.
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mechanical design, materials science, and cryogenic engineering principles.
• Experience performing process modeling, heat and mass balance calculations, cryogenic cycle analysis, and equipment sizing.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, operation, and optimization of hydrogen and helium cryogenic systems, including liquefaction, storage, transfer, purification, recovery, boil-off management, refrigeration systems, compressors, expanders, cold boxes, and vacuum-insulated equipment.
• Hands-on experience supporting the fabrication, assembly, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and operation of cryogenic facilities and equipment, including pressure vessel design, specification, fabrication, and code compliance.
• Knowledge of cryogenic materials, stress analysis, welding practices, vacuum technology, vacuum insulation systems, and leak detection techniques.
• Experience with cryogenic instrumentation and controls, including PLC-based industrial control systems and process instrumentation (pressure, flow, temperature, vacuum, leak detection).
• Knowledge of applicable industry codes, standards, and regulations, including ASME, API, CGA, NFPA, ISO, and other cryogenic and pressure vessel standards.
• Proficiency with engineering design and simulation software, including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, FEA software, and related engineering applications.
• Ability to prepare and review technical reports, specifications, engineering calculations, operating procedures, and commissioning documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with cryogenic equipment suppliers, fabricators, and industry partners.
• Eligibility to register as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with hydrogen and helium isotope separation systems utilizing cryogenic distillation technology, helium recovery systems, or advanced research and experimental cryogenic facilities.

Why Join Us?

ALTEN Canada fosters a dynamic, collaborative work environment where every team member is empowered to reach their full potential. We are deeply committed to investing in our people by offering meaningful experiences and supporting continuous learning, growth, and career development.

At ALTEN Canada, your skills are celebrated, your ambitions supported, and your growth continuously nurtured. Join us and discover the difference of working with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

ALTEN CANADA is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to provide a work environment where every individual feels welcomed, valued, and respected, allowing them to thrive to their full potential. This includes our dedication to offering accessibility measures to those who require them. Should you require accommodation during our recruitment process, please reach out to us.

Alten uses artificial intelligence tools to support certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process, such as interview note-taking and résumé formatting. These tools do not make hiring decisions. Candidate consent is always obtained prior to use.

In accordance with our compensation practices, ALTEN is providing the salary range associated with this opportunity. Final compensation will be determined after considering several factors, including professional experience, skill set, educational background, certifications, and geographic market conditions. The current target salary range for this role is $120,000 – $160,000 per year.