Manager, Cryogenic Process & Distribution Engineering

Entangled Future; Milpitas (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International travel

Career development

Job summary

PsiQuantum in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Manager for Cryogenic Process & Distribution Engineering to lead the architecture, design, and integration of global cryogenic infrastructure. You will drive process safety, system modeling, and the integration of cryoplants, cryostats, and distribution networks.

Responsibilities include defining the overall helium/nitrogen process architecture, producing PFDs/P&IDs, and coordinating with vendors, operations, and facilities to deliver safe,

Qualifications

• The candidate will lead design, analysis, and integration of cryogenic process and distribution systems.
• Strong background in cryogenic thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer, and hydraulics.
• Experience with PFDs, P&IDs, HAZOPs, and process safety reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and integration of complete cryogenic systems.
• Define helium and nitrogen process architecture for all modes.
• Develop process calculations, hydraulic analyses, and models.
• Create and maintain PFDs, P&IDs, operating philosophies, and specs.
• Lead safety reviews and ensure compliance with codes and standards.
• Define piping, valves, heat exchangers, manifolds, and auxiliary equipment.
• Specify equipment and prepare procurement specifications.
• Support vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and site acceptance testing.
• Support installation, commissioning, and operation; drive improvements.

Skills

Cryogenic systems

PFDs & P&IDs

HAZOPs

Process safety

Cryogenic distribution

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor management

System architecture

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical/ Cryogenic Engineering

Ph.D. in Cryogenic Engineering (preferred)

Job description

Manager, Cryogenic Process & Distribution Engineering at PsiQuantum, Milpitas, California (remote). A mid-level full time position in the 3370 - Cryogenics Engineering team, listed under business operations.

Job Summary

The Manager, Cryogenic Process & Distribution Engineering is responsible for the architecture, design, and integration of the cryogenic process and distribution systems supporting PsiQuantum's global cryogenic infrastructure.

This role defines the overall cryogenic system architecture, ensuring seamless integration of cryoplants, cryostats, cryogenic distribution systems, and supporting equipment including helium recovery systems, purifiers, liquid and gas storage, and auxiliary process equipment. The objective is to develop a coherent and reliable cryogenic process that delivers all required operating modes and performance while ensuring safe, efficient, and maintainable operation.

The Manager, Cryogenic Process & Distribution Engineering owns the system process design, including process calculations, hydraulic analysis, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), operating philosophies, system descriptions, and HAZOP studies. The role ensures the optimal integration of helium and nitrogen systems with cryoplants and cryostats and defines the architecture of all warm and cold process piping throughout the cryogenic infrastructure.

In addition to technical leadership, the Manager, Cryogenic Process & Distribution Engineering develops and mentors the Cryogenic Process & Distribution Engineering Team, establishes engineering standards and best practices, and works closely with cryostat, cryoplant, process controls, facilities, operations, and external equipment suppliers to deliver safe, reliable, and high-performance cryogenic systems across PsiQuantum's worldwide sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and integration of complete cryogenic systems, including cryoplants, cryostats, cryogenic distribution systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Define the overall helium and nitrogen process architecture to support all operational and maintenance modes.
• Develop process calculations, hydraulic analyses, and system performance models.
• Produce and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), process descriptions, operating philosophies, and functional specifications.
• Lead HAZOPs and other process safety reviews, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and company standards.
• Define the architecture and sizing of warm and cold process piping, valves, heat exchangers, phase separators, distribution manifolds, transfer lines, and auxiliary process equipment.
• Specify process equipment and prepare technical specifications for procurement.
• Support vendor selection, technical reviews, manufacturing follow-up, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Support installation, pre-commissioning, commissioning, performance testing, and operation of cryogenic systems.
• Troubleshoot system performance and lead continuous improvements to process efficiency, reliability, and operability.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Cryogenic Engineering, or a related discipline (Bachelor's degree with extensive experience considered).
• 10+ years of experience designing and operating large-scale cryogenic systems involving helium and nitrogen refrigeration.
• Strong knowledge of cryogenic thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and hydraulic system design.
• Demonstrated experience with cryogenic process design, PFDs, P&IDs, HAZOPs, and process safety.
• Experience integrating complex cryogenic systems including cryoplants, cryostats, and cryogenic distribution systems.
• Experience working with EPC contractors and cryogenic equipment manufacturers.
• Familiarity with process simulation tools and engineering calculation software.
• Strong project leadership and technical decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally to support manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and operations.