Principal Thermal Engineer

Infleqtion Inc.

Louisville (CO)

On-site

USD 160,000 - 200,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Salary range: 160,000 to 200,000 USD/year

100% company-paid medical, dental, vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401(k) match

Equity Package

Job summary

A leading quantum technology firm is seeking a highly experienced thermal analyst for their Louisville, CO office. The role focuses on maintaining temperature limits for quantum sensing operations in space and involves hands-on engineering, collaboration across disciplines, and responsibilities from design to integration. Candidates should have a relevant degree, 6+ years of experience, and be comfortable with advanced technologies. Benefits include competitive salary and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

6+ years of relevant experience in similar roles.
Experience installing MLI and bonding heaters using ASTM‑E595 approved materials.
Hands on engineer with experience building both EDU and flight hardware.

Responsibilities

Update the existing system-level thermal model for space constraints.
Conduct regular technical discussions and model reviews.
Develop and test EDU thermal designs for microgravity environments.
Present progress and results to senior management.

Skills

Thermal design

Collimator design

Tolerance analysis

Opto-mechanics

AI utilization

Education

Bachelor's degree in thermal design or related field

Master’s or PhD degree in aerospace mechanical engineering

Job description

Infleqtionis a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables “quantum everywhere” through our ecosystem of devices and platforms.

Location

Infleqtion has 6 office locations, operating out of Boulder/Louisville, CO; Madison, WI; Chicago, IL; Oxford, UK; and Melbourne, AU. This position is a full-time, hybrid position which will be located in our Louisville, CO office.

Position Summary

Infleqtion is seeking a highly experienced thermal analyst; this role is responsible for keeping our sensor head and electronics temperature limits in check when performing physics sequences enabling quantum sensing operations in space.

The role requires close collaboration with our prime customer(s), internal management, researchers, systems engineers, aerospace experts, manufacturing partners, suppliers, and external subcontractors. The individual will actively engage customers and partners throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring delivery against milestones and commitments while maintaining alignment with Infleqtion’s internal product lifecycle and quality standards. Cross‑disciplinary engagement is expected, with this role driving technical alignment across hardware, software, systems, and mission domains.

Travel

Up to 10% travel may be required to support off‑site testing, deliveries, and integration.

Job Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

Update the existing system‑level thermal model with the appropriate fidelity to ensure the physics sequence operates within space environmental constraints
Conduct regular technical discussions and model reviews of in‑house and subcontractor electronic card and enclosure cooling designs, including some of them which have unique thermal requirements
Develop and test EDU thermal designs for microgravity environments
Adapt flight thermal designs for microgravity testing
Serve as a hands‑on engineer with experience building both EDU and flight hardware
Install MLI and bond heaters and thermistors using ASTM‑E595 approved materials
Present progress and results to senior management and the end customer
Execution of modeling, simulation, and analytical efforts required to enable product performance
Integration of subsystems and their thermal requirements / interfaces
Identifying and engaging key suppliers
Following Infleqtion’s Product Lifecycle Process and supporting Phase gate reviews, critical design reviews, and executive updates
Supporting development of risk management plans and risk resolution, and supporting reliability analysis and continuous improvement
Coaching and mentoring junior engineers
Other duties as assigned or required

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus in thermal design or a related engineering field
6+ years of relevant and progressive experience in similar roles
Hands on engineer with experience building both EDU and flight hardware
Experience installing MLI, bonding of heaters and thermistors using ASTM‑E595 approved materials
Leverages AI appropriately; understands limitations of current offerings
Excellent proficiency in design first principles
Expert level understanding of opto‑mechanics, including free space optical mounting, collimator design, free‑space and fiber coupled alignment design and tolerancing
Demonstrated Dfx (design to cost etc.)
Understanding of ASTM E595 – how to choose materials for space
Experience designing custom flexure mounts for both optics and instruments
Tolerance analysis
Hands on engineer with experience building both EDU and flight hardware
Uses AI appropriately for leverage; understands limitations of current platforms
Ability to travel domestically and (potentially) internationally up to 10%

Desired Qualifications

Comfortable with a hands‑on approach to engineering leadership
Master’s or PhD degree in aerospace mechanical engineering or related field
Experience in delivering new, advanced technologies to commercial markets
Experience in hardware Dfx (design for cost, manufacturing, assembly, test, sustainment)
Familiarity with quantum computing, mechanics, or physics

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance. Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in‑person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.

Benefits