Mechanical Designer, Cryogenic Systems - Mid-level

Nord Quantique; Sherbrooke; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Nord Quantique, Sherbrooke, is seeking a Mechanical Designer to join the Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Team. The role focuses on precision mechanical design and thermo-mechanical analysis of cryogenic quantum hardware, including QPU assemblies and dilution refrigerator interfaces.

You will design precision assemblies for cryogenic temperatures, perform FEA-based validation, and optimize for manufacturability and long-term reliability, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience in R&D.
• Experience with interdisciplinary teams.
• Autonomy, reliability, and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical assemblies for QPU at cryogenic temperatures.
• Develop solutions using flexures, kinematic mounts, and precise alignment considering thermal contraction.
• Perform structural and thermo-mechanical analysis using FEA to validate load, thermal, and deformation aspects.
• Design cryogenic setups for dilution refrigerators, including supports and interfaces.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, repeatability, scalability, and long-term reliability.

Skills

Precision mechanical design

Thermal analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

FEA software

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA software

Job description

Mechanical Designer, Cryogenic Systems - Mid-level at Nord Quantique, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada. A mid-level full time position in the Design team, listed under hardware engineering.

Our current needs

As we scale up our quantum processors and supporting infrastructure, we are seeking a skilled and self-driven Mechanical Designer to join our Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Team. This role focuses on precision mechanical design and mechanical/thermal analysis of cryogenic quantum hardware, including dilution refrigerator setups, QPU assemblies, and 3D resonator cavities. The ideal candidate has experience designing precision hardware for demanding environments such as cryogenics, scientific instrumentation, semiconductor equipment, optics/photonics, aerospace and space systems, or other high-precision engineering applications. Direct quantum experience is an asset, but not required. This is a dynamic role within a fast-paced, research-driven environment, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of scalable quantum hardware.

Working closely with the mechanical design team, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Design precision mechanical assemblies and miniature structural components for the Quantum Processing Units (QPU) operating at cryogenic temperatures ~20mK range, including thermal analysis for differential CTE behavior and thermalization.
• Develop precision mechanical solutions using flexures, kinematic mounts, deterministic constraints, and repeatable alignment methods including consideration of thermal contraction, differential CTE and tolerance accumulation.
• Perform structural and thermo-mechanical analysis of the assemblies using FEA to validate the load capacity, thermal performance, stress distribution, and deformation in the system.
• Design the cryogenic setup for dilution refrigerators that host the QPUs, including supports, mechanical interfaces, thermal anchoring, and alignment features.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, assembly repeatability, scalability, and long-term system reliability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc) or Master’s degree (MSc) in Mechanical Engineering or in related field with minimum 5 years of mechanical design experience.
• Must have R&D industry experience, preferably within quantum hardware, scientific instrumentation, cryogenic system, aerospace/space systems, semiconductor equipment or other precision engineering industries, with a proven track record of working with interdisciplinary teams.
• Great sense of autonomy and dependability
• Proficient in producing clear and concise technical reports
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills focused on achieving company objectives
• Willingness to learn and explore new concepts
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, external vendors, suppliers, and development partners
• Team-oriented mindset with a focus on cooperation and knowledge sharing within the team.