Cryogenic Systems Lead for Next-Gen Energy Amplifier

Subcritical Systems Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Subcritical Systems, Inc. in Austin, Texas is seeking an experienced Cryogenic Engineer to lead the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of a 2 K / 4.5 K cryogenic plant for the Energy Amplifier, reporting to the SVP for Accelerator.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in cryogenic engineering, hands-on experience with helium cycles, and a proven track record delivering large cryogenic systems in accelerator or industrial settings. This is a full-time, on-site role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in cryogenic engineering.
• Hands-on delivery of helium refrigeration plants or large cryogenic distribution systems.
• Experience specifying, procuring, and commissioning cryogenic plants in accelerator, fusion, detector, or industrial settings.
• Fluency in cryogenic process simulation and heat load modeling (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, EcosimPro/PROOSIS, or equivalent).
• Strong working knowledge of ASME pressure vessel and piping codes, ODH analysis, and cryogenic safety practice.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design of the helium refrigeration plant, including 4.5 K cold boxes, 2 K sub-atmospheric cooling, compressors, oil removal, gas management, and warm/cold piping distribution.
• Develop heat load budgets (static and dynamic) across the SRF linac, solenoid magnets, cryomodules, and distribution system, with appropriate contingency for operational modes and off-normal conditions.
• Lead RFQ/RFP development, vendor qualification, and technical negotiation with cryogenic plant suppliers; own vendor delivery to spec, cost, and schedule.
• Specify and procure ancillary systems: transfer lines, valve boxes, sub-atmospheric cold compressors, helium inventory and recovery systems, and instrumentation.
• Interface directly with SRF cavity and cryomodule designers to define thermal interfaces, cooldown/warmup procedures, and operational envelopes.
• Coordinate with RF, vacuum, and controls teams on integrated commissioning sequences.
• Develop installation plans, P&IDs, and commissioning procedures in partnership with the facility team and general contractors.
• Lead pre-operational testing, cold commissioning, and acceptance of the plant and distribution system.
• Define operational procedures, alarm and interlock logic, and maintenance plans; train operators ahead of first beam and first power.

Skills

Cryogenic engineering

Helium refrigeration

Cryogenic plant delivery

ASME codes

Process simulation

Education

B.S./M.S. in Mechanical/Cryogenic/Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. welcome but not required

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

EcosimPro/PROOSIS

Job description

Subcritical Systems, Inc. in Austin, Texas is seeking an experienced Cryogenic Engineer to lead the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of a 2 K / 4.5 K cryogenic plant for the Energy Amplifier, reporting to the SVP for Accelerator.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in cryogenic engineering, hands-on experience with helium cycles, and a proven track record delivering large cryogenic systems in accelerator or industrial settings. This is a full-time, on-site role.