Principal Thermal Engineer - Space Payload Design, Analysis and Modeling

Infleqtion

Louisville (CO)

On-site

USD 160,000 - 200,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid medical, dental, vision

Unlimited PTO

401(k) match

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Infleqtion is looking for a highly skilled Thermal Analyst to ensure thermal management of our quantum sensors based in Louisville, CO. The role entails collaboration with engineers and customers to align on technical requirements, with the expectation of hands-on contributions and significant responsibilities.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, over 6 years of experience in heating and cooling designs, and a strong understanding of opto-mechanics. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

6+ years of relevant experience in thermal analysis.
Experience installing MLI and bonding thermistors.
Familiarity with AI applications in engineering.

Responsibilities

Update the system-level thermal model.
Conduct technical model reviews.
Develop and test thermal designs for microgravity.

Skills

Thermal design principles

Hands-on engineering

Opto-mechanics

Tolerance analysis

Design to cost

Education

Bachelor’s degree in thermal design or related engineering field

Master’s or PhD in aerospace mechanical engineering or related field

Job description

Infleqtion is 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

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 modelling, 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
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