Cryogenic R&D Engineer

Bluefors; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 68,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Training

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies, Inc. in Syracuse, NY is seeking a Cryogenic R&D Engineer to join its Research & Development team. You will design, develop, and test advanced cryogenic systems that operate at ultra-low temperatures, enabling breakthroughs in quantum computing and related fields.

The role requires a Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) with at least three years of cryogenics experience, CAD proficiency (SolidWorks), and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical/chemical engineering or physics required.
• Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• Minimum three years of lab or industrial cryogenics experience.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer at cryogenic temperatures.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Experience with engineering simulation and analysis tools.
• Experience with laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, network analyzers, and vacuum systems.
• Knowledge of vacuum systems and P&ID documentation.
• Experience developing engineering drawings using GD&T.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop cryogenic products and scientific instruments using CAD software (SolidWorks).
• Translate research concepts into functional prototypes and production-ready designs.
• Conduct research to advance cryogenic technologies and evaluate emerging concepts.
• Perform thermal, hydraulic, structural, and engineering analyses to support product development.
• Build, assemble, validate, and test cryogenic mechanical and electrical systems.
• Develop and execute test plans to verify system performance, reliability, and safety.
• Create detailed engineering drawings utilizing GD&T principles.
• Generate BOMs, technical reports, and SOPs.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cryogenic equipment including dilution refrigerators, cryocoolers, compressors, and vacuum systems.
• Diagnose system failures and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Support project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for R&D initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ASME, and other applicable standards.
• Promote safe laboratory practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Written & verbal communication

Independent & collaborative work

Project management

Safety compliance

Education

Master’s degree (Mechanical/Chemical Engineering or Physics)

Ph.D. strongly preferred

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

Engineering simulation tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Network analyzers

Vacuum systems

GD&T drawing creation

Job description

We are looking for a Cryogenic R&D Engineer to join our Research & Development team at Bluefors in Syracuse, NY. In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, and testing of advanced cryogenic systems that operate at extremely low temperatures and enable groundbreaking innovations in quantum computing, aerospace, healthcare, energy, and scientific research. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, conducting hands‑on laboratory work, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to bring next‑generation cryogenic technologies from concept to reality.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop cryogenic products and scientific instruments using CAD software (SolidWorks)
• Translate research concepts into functional prototypes and production‑ready designs
• Conduct research to advance cryogenic technologies and evaluate emerging concepts
• Perform thermal, hydraulic, structural, and engineering analyses to support product development
• Build, assemble, validate, and test cryogenic mechanical and electrical systems
• Develop and execute test plans to verify system performance, reliability, and safety
• Create detailed engineering drawings utilizing GD&T principles
• Generate Bills of Materials (BOMs), technical reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cryogenic equipment including dilution refrigerators, cryocoolers, compressors, and vacuum systems
• Diagnose system failures and implement corrective actions
• Collaborate with scientists and cross‑functional engineering teams including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering
• Support project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for R&D initiatives
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ASME, and other applicable engineering and safety standards
• Promote safe laboratory practices and continuous improvement initiatives
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (required)
• Ph.D. strongly preferred
• Minimum of three years of laboratory or industrial experience in cryogenics or a related engineering field
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials science at cryogenic temperatures
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks
• Experience using engineering simulation and analysis tools
• Experience with laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, network analyzers, and vacuum systems
• Knowledge of vacuum systems and P&ID documentation
• Experience developing engineering drawings using GD&T
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts and research findings
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Commitment to workplace safety and engineering excellence
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken

Benefits

We offer a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), long‑ and short‑term disability, life insurance, training, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off (PTO).

Location: Syracuse, NY

Salary Range: Level I: $68,000–$98,000; Level II: $98,000–$128,000

Physical Demands: The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands and fingers for laboratory, engineering, and testing activities. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds in manufacturing settings. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: This position operates in both professional office and laboratory/manufacturing environments. The role regularly collaborates with internal and external stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality as appropriate. Daily work includes the use of computers, engineering software, laboratory instrumentation, quality measurement equipment, and cryogenic systems. Employees may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, temperature extremes, airborne particles, vibration, and electrical hazards. Mandatory personal protective equipment must be worn as required. Employees are expected to maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment while adhering to all company safety policies and applicable engineering standards.

Sponsorship: This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of disability status, veteran status, or any other New York State or federally protected characteristic.