Senior Cryogenic System Engineer

Psiquantum; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum in Milpitas, CA (remote) seeks a Senior Cryogenic System Engineer to design, analyze, verify, and integrate cryogenic systems that enable our quantum computing infrastructure.

You will lead cryostat and cryogenic distribution system integration, apply thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, and coordinate across disciplines to establish robust verification methods and documentation. This senior role emphasizes hands-on execution and teamwork with multidisciplinary groups.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in mechanical/ aerospace or physics with strong fundamentals.
• 3–5+ years applying engineering to thermal-fluid or cryogenic problems.
• Experience with cryogenic systems including cryostats and cryoplants.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of cryostat components and instrumentation.
• Lead integration of cryogenic equipment including cryostats and cryoplants.
• Apply thermodynamics and heat transfer to develop designs.
• Perform design, analysis and testing of cryogenic components.
• Coordinate activities across disciplines and guide fabrication and installation.
• Develop verification and validation test plans for cryogenic systems.

Skills

Cryogenic systems

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Structural mechanics

Team leadership

Analytical

Communication

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

M.S./Ph.D. preferred

Tools

MATLAB

ANSYS

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

Job description

Senior Cryogenic System Engineer at PsiQuantum, Milpitas, California (remote). A senior-level full time position in the 3370 - Cryogenics Engineering team, listed under hardware engineering.

Job Summary

The Senior Cryogenic System Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, verification, validation, integration, and operational support of cryogenic systems that enable PsiQuantum's quantum computing infrastructure.

This role focuses on system integration of cryostats, cryogenic distribution systems, cryoplants, and related technologies, applying strong engineering judgment across thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics.

The role supports the full engineering lifecycle from requirements definition, detailed design, analysis, vendor coordination, fabrication, installation, integration, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting. The Senior Cryogenic System Engineer also provides technical leadership in ambiguous situations and helps establish robust processes, documentation practices, and verification methods for complex cryogenic systems.

The ideal candidate combines strong cryogenic systems engineering expertise with practical mechanical design experience, analytical rigor, and hands-on execution. They are comfortable leading technical work across design, analysis, verification, vendor coordination, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to [e-mail] .

Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's qualifications, relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, business needs, and internal equity. Your recruiter can share more details about the salary range applicable to your location during the hiring process.

• Zone 1 - Bay Area and NYC
• Zone 2 - Examples include Los Angeles and Washington DC

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of cryostat components, including mechanical hardware, sensors, valves, and instrumentation.
• Lead integration of cryogenic equipment, including cryostats, cryogenic distribution systems, vacuum systems, cryoplants, and cryogenic storage.
• Apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics to develop cryogenic system designs.
• Perform detailed design, analysis, and testing of cryogenic system components and assemblies.
• Coordinate technical activities across multiple disciplines and provide hands-on guidance during fabrication, installation, integration, and operations.
• Lead the development of verification and validation test plans for cryogenic mechanical systems and evaluate test results.
• Select, support, and direct vendors during design, manufacturing, and testing.
• Analyze field issues related to cryogenic design and provide technical solutions where required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary project teams through all phases of product development to ensure successful execution of innovative, best-in-class designs.

Requirements

• B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• 3-5+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex problems related to thermal-fluid systems and/or cryogenics.
• Experience with cryogenic mechanical systems, including cryostats, cryogenic distribution systems, valve boxes, and/or cryoplants.
• Experience with requirements management, materials and component selection, FMEA, tolerance analysis, and test planning.
• Ability to provide technical leadership in ambiguous situations.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with software tools such as Mathcad, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, SINAPS, ANSYS APDL, ANSYS Workbench, SolidWorks, SpaceClaim, LabVIEW, and MATLAB.
• Experience working with cryogenic systems, cryostats, cryocoolers, cryogenic distribution systems, vacuum pumps, and cryoplants.
• Experience coordinating technical activities during construction, installation, or commissioning of large-scale scientific or industrial facilities.
• Experience applying best practices to the design, fabrication, and assembly of cryogenic equipment.
• Experience with material performance, design constraints, and manufacturing constraints under cryogenic conditions.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication methods such as machining, welding, brazing, soldering, and forming.
• Hands-on experience performing lab testing and data acquisition.
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.