Senior Cryogenic Systems Engineer: 4K/30K Turbocompressor

Darwin Recruitment; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking an experienced Cryogenic Systems Engineer to lead development of compact mK cryocooler systems, oversee design through delivery, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires extensive experience with 4 K / 30 K stages, He-4/He-3 cycles, vacuum and helium handling, and CAD-based component realization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of cryogenic system design experience.
• Experience with sub-4 K cryostat design and low-temperature integration.
• Knowledge of GM, pulse-tube, and/or Joule-Thomson cryocoolers.
• Familiarity with He-4/He-3 phase diagrams and cryogenic cycles.
• CFD and/or thermal modelling experience; basic 3D CAD for components.

Responsibilities

• Develop thermodynamic and gas-flow concepts for cryogenic cooling systems, including He-4 and He-3 cycles.
• Simulate and analyse cooling cycles, gas flows, thermal performance, and overall system behavior.
• Define concepts and requirements for cryogenic components and work with CAD teams to realise designs.
• Support the design and integration of Joule-Thomson cryogenic turbocompressor systems.
• Oversee manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of cryogenic systems and subsystems.
• Work with vacuum systems, helium handling, temperature control systems, sensors and cryogenic instrumentation.
• Support certification and delivery of cryocooler systems to internal and external customers.

Skills

Cryogenic system design

Thermodynamic modelling

Gas-flow modelling

Vacuum systems handling

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Tools

CAD

Job description

Cryogenic Systems Engineer

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Cryogenic Systems Engineer to join a cryomechanical and quantum system integration team. The role involves overseeing the development of compact mK cryocooler systems from concept through design, assembly, testing, certification, and customer delivery.

The engineer will work with absorption and GM coolers and support the development of Joule-Thomson cryogenic turbocompressor systems operating across 4 K / 30 K temperature stages. The role requires strong cryogenic system design experience, thermodynamic and gas-flow modelling capability, and practical knowledge of vacuum systems, helium handling, CAD, assembly, and temperature control.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop thermodynamic and gas-flow concepts for cryogenic cooling systems, including He-4 and He-3 cycles.
• Simulate and analyse cooling cycles, gas flows, thermal performance, and overall system behaviour.
• Define concepts and requirements for cryogenic components and work with CAD/mechanical teams to realise designs.
• Support the design and integration of Joule-Thomson cryogenic turbocompressor systems.
• Oversee manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of cryogenic systems and subsystems.
• Work with vacuum systems, helium handling, temperature control systems, sensors, and cryogenic instrumentation.
• Support certification and delivery of cryocooler systems to internal and external customers.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in cryogenic system design.
• Experience with sub-4 K cryostat design and low-temperature system integration.
• Experience with GM, pulse-tube, and/or Joule-Thomson cryocoolers.
• Knowledge of the He-4 / He-3 phase diagram and cryogenic cooling cycles.
• CFD and/or thermal modelling experience.
• Knowledge of CAD systems, including basic 3D CAD for component design.
• Practical understanding of vacuum systems, helium systems, assembly methodologies, and temperature control.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with turbo pumps and/or cryogenic turbocompressor design.
• Experience with CTE analysis and cooling cycle design.
• Experience supporting certification of complex technical equipment.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Amanda Makhathini