Role Summary:
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
- 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.
