Senior Mechanical Engineer (Cryogenics)

MetOx International, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision

401(k) match

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

MetOx International, Inc. in Houston, TX is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on cryogenics to lead design, development, testing, and integration of cryogenic systems enabling HTS technologies.

You will work with internal teams, customers, and partners to advance resilient, efficient superconducting solutions. The role combines hands‑on lab work, rigorous analysis, and product development to bring next‑generation cryogenic systems to market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; four years of hands-on cryogenic experience.
• Experience with cryogenic systems operating between 4 K and 77 K.
• Advanced degree may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with HTS cable fabrication, superconducting magnet systems, and current lead engineering.
• Proven ability to design, build, and operate laboratory test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, testing, and integration of cryogenic systems for HTS technologies.
• Design and execute cryogenic test protocols, including thermal cycling and performance evaluations.
• Prepare engineering documentation: drawings, specs, test procedures, and analyses.
• Procure fabrication of cryogenic components and lab test hardware.
• Evaluate partner cryogenic architectures and integration constraints.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices.

Skills

Cryogenic engineering

Mechanical design

Laboratory testing

Thermal management

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Cryogenic test equipment

HTS/magnet system knowledge

Job description

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International, we’re pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on cryogenics, you’ll join a dynamic team committed to supporting our partners and making the world’s energy systems more resilient, efficient, and reliable.

Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, the Senior Mechanical Engineer leads the design, development, testing, and integration of cryogenic systems and components that enable the deployment of high‑temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. Working closely with internal engineering teams, customers, and industry partners, this role combines advanced mechanical engineering, hands‑on laboratory work, and product development to support the commercialization of next‑generation superconducting solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply advanced mechanical and cryogenic engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges related to superconducting systems, thermal management, cryogenic integration, and system performance.
• Design and execute cryogenic test protocols, including thermal cycling, heat load validation, electrical joint resistance measurements, and system performance evaluations.
• Prepare detailed engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, test procedures, thermal analyses, and technical reports to communicate design concepts, validation results, and engineering recommendations.
• Procure fabrication of custom cryogenic components, fixtures, and laboratory test hardware.
• Evaluate cryogenic system architectures of partners, component selection, sourcing considerations, and integration constraints.
• Develop engineering cost models for integrated superconducting systems.
• Identify opportunities for customers to improve cryogenic system performance, reduce integration costs, enhance manufacturability, and optimize overall product performance while contributing to operational excellence initiatives.

Project Management

• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and strategic partners to support successful product development and deployment.
• Own cryogenic engineering projects from concept through implementation, including system design, laboratory validation, prototype development, and partner integration activities.
• Lead or contribute to cross‑functional design reviews, integrating cryogenic mechanical solutions into broader superconducting cable systems and electrical infrastructure.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers.
• Participate in peer reviews and help shape engineering best practices and team development.

Other Duties

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Cryogenic Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Four years of experience in an engineering role, including hands‑on experience with cryogenic systems operating between 4 K and 77 K.
• An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year‑for‑year basis, depending on relevance and level.
• Experience with HTS cable fabrication, superconducting magnet systems, current lead engineering, cryogenic systems, or related superconducting technologies.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and operating laboratory test equipment and experimental systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading technical projects or engineering workstreams involving cryogenic or superconducting technologies.
• Experience performing heat load analysis, thermal modeling, and cryogenic system optimization.
• Knowledge of commercial cryocooler technologies, including Gifford‑McMahon, Stirling, and pulse‑tube systems.
• Experience supporting superconducting cable, fusion energy, MRI, accelerator, or national laboratory programs.
• Experience collaborating directly with customers, technical partners, or external research organizations.
• Publications, patents, or significant technical contributions related to superconducting technologies or cryogenic engineering.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Deep technical competence in mechanical and cryogenic system design, testing, integration, and execution.
• Strong understanding of thermal management, cryogenic system performance, and superconducting applications.
• Hands‑on laboratory, prototyping, and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with customers, research partners, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently while managing complex engineering challenges in a fast‑paced research, development, and manufacturing environment.

Physical Demands

This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment.
• 401(k) match.
• And more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.