Senior Cryogenic Mechanical Engineer
PsiQuantum, Palo Alto, CA, United States
We believe quantum computing will change everything. It will have the power to transform the foundations of giant industries that rely on intensive computation. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world’s first useful quantum computer, capable of delivering these transformative results. We know that means it will need 1 million qubits, error correction, a scalable architecture and a data center footprint.
By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.
PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing years earlier than our competitors. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using existing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are today producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. Since photons don’t feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC). And because photons are in fact light, they can move between subsystems at tremendous speed using standard fiber connectivity.
Our team is building a utility scale quantum computer and the software tools needed to build fault tolerant quantum applications. We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first useful quantum computer on the fastest path possible.
There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!
Job Summary:
The cryogenic engineering department is hiring a mechanical design engineer who will be heavily involved in the cryogenic system simulation and design for the quantum computer. This position will interact with multiple teams internally and suppliers externally.
Responsibilities:
- The Cryogenic Mechanical Engineer focuses primarily on the cryogenic equipment design to support quantum computer
- Applying knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics to the development of cryogenic process, cryostats, cryogenic distribution system and related technologies.
- Developing detail or system level thermal fluid models to describe all heat paths and create new cryogenic system design to meet unique requirements.
- Detailed analysis, design and test of cryostat, cryoplant, cryogenic distribution system
- Leading engineering activities from concept development to final onsite commissioning of various cryogenic equipment
- Analyzing field issues related to cryogenic design and providing solutions where required.
- Thoroughly documenting design inputs and outputs.
- General design activities such as requirements management, materials and component selection, Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and tolerance analyses.
- Assisting and/or directing vendors to develop necessary manufacture process
- Actively participating in cross functional project teams through all phases of product development to ensure successful execution of innovative and best-in-class designs.
Experience/Qualifications:
- B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Physics.
- Software tools – Mathcad, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Workbench, Solidworks, Fluent, SpaceClaim, Matlab.
- 5+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex engineering problems related to thermal/fluid systems and/or cryogenics.
- Direct experience with designing cryostat and cryogenic distribution system.
- Demonstrated use of advanced analysis tools to solve complex problems at the appropriate level of detail – Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Finite Difference, and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
- Experience working with modern cryoplant system, cryogenic process design and simulation
- Ability to adapt changes and handle multiple assignments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Desired Skills/Experience
- Experience with multiple material performance, design constraints, and manufacture constraints under cryogenics.
- Experience working with cryogenic systems, cryostats, cryocoolers, and cryoplant.
- Experience working with ASME Boiler Pressure Vessel Code BPVC and PED Pressure Vessel Code.
- Hands performances on experience with fabrication methods such as machining, welding, brazing, soldering, forming, etc.
- Hands-on experience performing lab testing and data acquisition.
- Solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.
PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
The range below reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
For a fully qualified candidate, the expected base pay range is:
Base Pay Range
$145,000—$195,000 USD