Senior development engineering

We are looking for a Senior R&D Engineer to join our Research & Development team at Bluefors in Syracuse, NY. In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, and testing of advanced cryogenic systems that operate at extremely low temperatures and enable groundbreaking innovations in quantum computing, aerospace, healthcare, energy, and scientific research. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, conducting hands-on laboratory work, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to bring next-generation cryogenic technologies from concept to reality. Your responsibilities will include designing and developing cryogenic products and scientific instruments using CAD software such as SolidWorks while translating research concepts into functional prototypes and production-ready designs. You will conduct research to advance cryogenic technologies, perform detailed thermal, hydraulic, and structural analyses, and develop engineering solutions based on experimental data. In this role, you will build, assemble, validate, and test complex cryogenic mechanical and electrical systems, develop and execute comprehensive test plans, and generate engineering drawings utilizing GD&T principles. You will also create Bills of Materials (BOMs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical reports while operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining cryogenic equipment including dilution refrigerators, vacuum pumps, cryocoolers, and compressors. Working closely with scientists and cross-functional engineering teams, you will support project planning, ensure compliance with applicable safety and engineering standards, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

We are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with a Ph.You should have a minimum of three years of hands-on laboratory or industrial experience in cryogenics or a closely related field. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials science at cryogenic temperatures. Experience with CAD software, engineering simulation tools, and laboratory instrumentation—including oscilloscopes, multimeters, network analyzers, vacuum systems, and P&ID—is essential. You should demonstrate excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and safety.

We also appreciate candidates who possess experience with cryogenic system prototyping, pressure systems, laboratory safety programs, or relevant engineering certifications such as OSHA. Experience working in multidisciplinary R&D environments, managing technical projects, and presenting research findings will help you stand out. Candidates who embody Bluefors' workplace competencies—including teamwork, attention to detail, dependability, adaptability, diversity, organizational effectiveness, and safety—will thrive in this role.

We offer a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), long- and short-term disability, life insurance, training, tuition reimbursement, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

Design and develop cryogenic products and scientific instruments using CAD software (SolidWorks)

Perform thermal, hydraulic, structural, and engineering analyses to support product development

Build, assemble, validate, and test cryogenic mechanical and electrical systems

Develop and execute test plans to verify system performance, reliability, and safety

Create detailed engineering drawings utilizing GD&T principles

Generate Bills of Materials (BOMs), technical reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cryogenic equipment including dilution refrigerators, cryocoolers, compressors, and vacuum systems

Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional engineering teams including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering

Support project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for R&D initiatives

Ensure compliance with OSHA, ASME, and other applicable engineering and safety standards

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field required

Minimum of three years of laboratory or industrial experience in cryogenics or a related engineering field

Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials science at cryogenic temperatures

Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks

Experience using engineering simulation and analysis tools

Experience with laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, and network analyzers

Experience developing engineering drawings using GD&T

Strong organizational and project management skills

Commitment to workplace safety and engineering excellence

Excellent command of English, both written and spoken

Experience with cryogenic product development and laboratory testing

Experience with pressure systems and related engineering certifications

Experience managing technical research projects

Adaptability in a fast-paced research and development environment

Strong alignment with Bluefors workplace competencies including teamwork, safety, diversity, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands and fingers for laboratory, engineering, and testing activities. The employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and visually inspect equipment and test results. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds in laboratory or office environments, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds in manufacturing settings. This position operates in both professional office and laboratory/manufacturing environments. Daily work includes the use of computers, engineering software, laboratory instrumentation, quality measurement equipment, and cryogenic systems. Employees working in manufacturing or laboratory settings may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, temperature extremes, airborne particles, vibration, and electrical hazards. Mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required. Employees are expected to maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment while adhering to all company safety policies and applicable engineering standards.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of disability status, veteran status, or any other New York State or federally protected characteristic.

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