Staff Thermal Engineer - Space Payload Design, Analysis and Modeling

Infleqtion, Inc.; Louisville (CO); Hybrid; USD 153,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Unlimited PTO

401(k) match

Company-paid insurance

HSAs

Job summary

Infleqtion, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Thermal Analyst to ensure sensor head and electronics stay within temperature limits during quantum sensing operations in space. The role involves close collaboration with customers, management, researchers, and suppliers across the program lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will lead cross-disciplinary alignment across hardware, software, and mission domains, with travel up to 10% and a hybrid work arrangement in Louisville, CO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in thermal design or related engineering field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in similar roles.
• Hands-on engineer with EDU and flight hardware experience.
• Experience installing MLI, bonding heaters and thermistors.
• Familiarity with design for cost and manufacturing practices.

Responsibilities

• Update the system-level thermal model to meet space constraints.
• Review cooling designs and subsystems with internal/external teams.
• Develop and test EDU thermal designs for microgravity.
• Adapt flight thermal designs for microgravity testing.
• Mentor junior engineers and support risk management.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

AI leverage

Design principles

Tolerance analysis

Opto-mechanics

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in thermal/mech eng

6+ years relevant experience

Master’s/PhD in aerospace/mechanical

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,operatingoutof Boulder/Louisville, CO; Madison, WI; Chicago, IL;Oxford, UK; and Melbourne, AU.This position is a full-time, hybrid position which willbe located inourLouisville, COoffice.

Position Summary

Infleqtion isseekinga highly experienced thermal analyst; this roleis responsible forkeeping our sensor head andelectronicstemperature limits in check when performing physics sequences enabling quantum sensing operations in space.

Therole requires close collaboration withour prime customer(s), internalmanagement, 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 whilemaintainingalignment withInfleqtion’sinternal product lifecycle and quality standards. Cross-disciplinary engagement is expected, with this roledriving technical alignment across hardware, software, systems, and mission domains.

Travel

Up to 10%travelmay berequiredto support off-site testing, deliveries, andintegration.

Job Responsibilities

• Update the existing system-level thermal model with theappropriate fidelityto ensure the physics sequenceoperateswithin 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
• Presenting progress and results tosenior management andthe end customer
• Execution of modelling, simulation, and analytical effortsrequiredto enable product performance
• Integration of subsystemsand their thermal requirements / interfaces
• Identifyingand engaging key suppliers
• FollowingInfleqtion’sProduct 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 orrequired

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degreerequired, with a focusinthermal 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
• Excellentproficiencyin design first principles
• Expert level understanding of opto-mechanics, including free space optical mounting, collimator design, freespaceand fiber coupled alignment design and tolerancing
• DemonstratedDfx(design to costetc.)
• 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 inaerospace mechanicalengineeringor related field
• Experience in delivering new, advanced technologies to commercialmarkets
• Experience in hardwareDFx(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 beproperly usedin accordance withcompany requirements.

Benefits

• Salary range: 153,000 to 203,000 USD/year
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
• Employer-funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) match
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Savings Account
• Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment
• Equity Package