Cryogenic Mechanical Engineer

Psiquantum; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum is seeking a Cryogenic Mechanical Engineer to join the Cryogenics Engineering team in Milpitas, CA. This mid-level, full-time role focuses on cryostat design, cryogenic distribution systems, and thermal-fluid modeling to enable quantum computing infrastructure.

You will work with senior engineers and cross-functional teams across design, analysis, and manufacturing, gaining hands-on experience throughout the engineering lifecycle from concept to commissioning.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 0-3 years of relevant engineering experience (internships, academic research, or industry).
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural mechanics.
• Experience with engineering analysis and/or mechanical design tools such as ANSYS Workbench, SolidWorks, Fluent, SpaceClaim, MATLAB, Mathcad, or equivalent.
• Ability to document assumptions, methods, and results clearly; able to work analytically and hands-on.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and analysis of system-level mechanical and thermal-fluid models.
• Support the design of cryostats for quantum computer infrastructure.
• Support the design of cryogenic distribution systems connecting cryoplants and cryostats.
• Perform mechanical design, engineering calculations, and component selection under guidance of senior engineers.
• Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, models, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Support procurement and manufacturing activities for cryogenic equipment.
• Participate in technical discussions with vendors during design, manufacturing, and testing.
• Support laboratory testing, data collection, and analysis of cryogenic equipment and components.
• Support installation and commissioning activities for cryogenic equipment.
• Assist with investigation and resolution of field issues related to mechanical and cryogenic systems.

Skills

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Structural mechanics

Mechanical design

Education

B.Sc./M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Workbench

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Fluent

SpaceClaim

Mathcad

Job description

Cryogenic Mechanical Engineer at PsiQuantum, Milpitas, California (remote). A mid-level full time position in the 3370 - Cryogenics Engineering team, listed under hardware engineering.

Job Summary

The Cryogenic Mechanical Engineer supports the design, analysis, testing, installation, and commissioning of cryogenic equipment and systems that enable PsiQuantum's quantum computing infrastructure.

This role focuses on cryostat design, cryogenic distribution systems, thermal-fluid modeling, thermal-mechanical modeling, mechanical design, and integration of cryogenic hardware.

Working with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, the Junior Cryogenic Mechanical Engineer applies engineering principles in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, and materials to support the development of cryostats and distribution systems. The role provides exposure to the full engineering lifecycle, from concept development and detailed design through manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and operational troubleshooting.

The ideal candidate has strong engineering fundamentals, curiosity, and a willingness to learn cryogenic mechanical engineering through both analytical and hands-on work.

They are comfortable working under the guidance of experienced engineers while progressively taking ownership of engineering tasks. They can move between mechanical design, engineering analysis, documentation, testing, manufacturing support, and field activities.

Success in this role requires attention to detail, sound engineering judgment, clear communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, facilities, and supplier teams.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to [e-mail] .

Responsibilities

• Support the development and analysis of system-level mechanical and thermal-fluid models.
• Support the design of cryostats for quantum computer infrastructure.
• Support the design of cryogenic distribution systems connecting cryoplants and cryostats.
• Perform mechanical design, engineering calculations, and component selection under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, models, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Support procurement and manufacturing activities for cryogenic equipment.
• Participate in technical discussions with vendors during design, manufacturing, and testing.
• Support laboratory testing, data collection, and analysis of cryogenic equipment and components.
• Support installation and commissioning activities for cryogenic equipment.
• Assist with the investigation and resolution of field issues related to mechanical and cryogenic systems.

Requirements

• B.SC. or M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 0-3 years of relevant engineering experience, including internships, academic research, or industry experience.
• Good understanding of fundamental engineering principles, including heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural mechanics.
• Experience with engineering analysis and/or mechanical design tools such as ANSYS Workbench, SolidWorks, Fluent, SpaceClaim, MATLAB, Mathcad, or equivalent tools.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and clearly document assumptions, methods, and results.
• Ability and willingness to work on both analytical and hands-on engineering activities.
• Ability to work effectively with senior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and handle multiple assignments.

Nice to Have

• Academic, internship, research, or industry experience with cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, cryostats, cryocoolers, or cryogenic distribution systems.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), finite difference methods, or thermal-fluid modeling.
• Familiarity with pressure vessels, piping systems, and engineering codes such as ASME BPVC and PED.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication methods such as machining, welding, brazing, soldering, or forming.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory testing, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Experience creating or reviewing mechanical drawings.
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.
• Interest in developing practical experience with manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of complex engineering systems.