Cyro-Mechanical Lab Engineer

We are seeking a hands-on cryo-mechanical lab engineer to support dilution refrigerator upgrades, retrofit integration, and sustaining improvements across quantum hardware systems. This role is focused on executing well-documented mechanical upgrades in active lab environments, improving repeatability of fridge configuration changes, and collaborating closely with cryogenic systems, packaging, facilities, and test engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Cryo-mechanical fridge upgrades

• Install and rework cryo-mechanical hardware associated with fridge upgrades, including mechanical interfaces, shields, plates, brackets, harness routing supports, vacuum components, and integration fixtures.
• Execute defined fridge upgrade procedures and capture build records, configuration changes, deviations, and lessons learned for future upgrade campaigns.
• Support early bring-up and validation of upgraded fridge configurations under engineering guidance, including mechanical fit checks, thermal anchoring reviews, leak-check readiness, and cooldown preparation.

Lab Operations

• Operate lab tools and equipment in accordance with ESD and safety requirements
• Maintain clean, organized lab workspaces
• Track work performed, materials used, and results

Debug & Collaboration

• Identify mechanical fit, thermalization, vacuum, routing, contamination, or configuration issues during upgrade execution and escalate with supporting data.
• Capture photos, measurements, torque records, configuration notes, and observations to support upgrade debug, engineering review, and future procedure improvements.
• Work closely with internal engineers while owning day‑to‑day execution

Skills & Experience Required

Critical Skills

• Cryogenic Systems / Cryogenic Engineering
• Quantum Physics / Quantum Hardware
• Rapid Cooling / Ultra-Low Temperature Systems (Helium or Liquid Nitrogen based)
• Semiconductor Equipment / Hardware Integration
• Vacuum Systems, Vacuum Testing & Leak Detection
• Dilution Refrigerators / Cryostats (highly preferred)

Hands ‑ On Lab Experience

• Direct experience working in a cryogenic, vacuum, hardware integration, or research lab environment.
• Comfort with precision assembly, rework, or similar physical lab work
• Ability to follow, redline, and improve written upgrade procedures while preserving configuration control and engineering intent.
• Ability to travel up to 50% for fridge upgrade activities, including trips lasting up to two weeks at a time.

Technical Background

• Familiarity with cryogenic systems, vacuum hardware, precision mechanical assemblies, thermal interfaces, instrumentation routing, or related hardware.
• Experience supporting early‑stage or low‑volume development efforts
• Strong attention to detail and quality

Nice to Have

• Experience with dilution refrigerators, cryostats, vacuum systems, leak checking, thermal anchoring, low-temperature wiring, or cooldown preparation.
• Exposure to quantum hardware systems where cryogenic reliability, mechanical integration, and thermal performance affect system readiness.