We are looking for a
PrincipalMechanical Design Engineer - Cryo Vacuum Systems in our
Broomfield, CO location to help design and de-risk next-generation trapped-ion quantum computing hardware. This role will work closely with research scientists, system architects, design engineers, and lab engineers to develop mechanical systems compatible with cryogenic operation, UHV/XHV environments, precision optical alignment, and scalable quantum computer architectures. The ideal candidate is a hands-on mechanical designer who can turn ambiguous technical risks into practical designs, prototype tests, and clear engineering recommendations.
Key Responsibilities:- Design mechanical hardware for cryogenic and UHV trapped-ion quantum computing systems.
- Support the design of ion-trap packages, cryogenic assemblies, vacuum-compatible structures, thermal interfaces, optical alignment features, and precision mounting hardware.
- Develop designs that manage parasitic heat loads, thermal contraction, CTE mismatch, mechanical stability, vibration sensitivity, vacuum compatibility, and assembly tolerances.
- Design prototype hardware and de-risk test fixtures that lab engineers can build and operate to validate new materials, interfaces, and subsystem concepts.
- Support test planning for new materials, adhesives, thermal interfaces, coatings, cryogenic assemblies, and vacuum-compatible components.
- Work with lab engineers to evaluate outgassing, cryogenic thermal performance, mechanical stability, alignment repeatability, and failure modes.
- Perform mechanical, thermal, and tolerance analyses to guide design decisions.
- Generate CAD models, drawings, assemblies, interface definitions, and design documentation.
- Partner with vacuum, cryogenic, optical, electrical, trap fabrication, and systems teams to identify interface risks and develop practical solutions.
- Communicate design trades, assumptions, risks, test results, and recommendations to technical teams and program leadership.
You Must Have:- Bachelor's degree minimum
- Minimum of 7+ years (Masters and PhD inclusive) of hands-on mechanical design experience with complex hardware systems.
- Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person. defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
- Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.
We Value:- Advanced degree or higher in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a related technical field preferred
- Experience designing mechanical components or assemblies requiring precision tolerancing, thermal management, and structural stability.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD tools and mechanical drawing release practices.
- Demonstrated ability to design hardware that can be fabricated, inspected, assembled, tested, and iterated.
- Ability to use analysis, test data, and engineering judgment to make mechanical design decisions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear documentation of design intent, risks, assumptions, and recommendations.
- Experience with cryogenic systems, UHV vacuum systems, lasers and precision optics, AMO physics experiments, trapped-ion systems, or semiconductor packaging.
- Experience with material selection for vacuum, cryogenic, low-magnetic environments
- Experience with thermal modeling, parasitic heat-load estimation, FEA, tolerance analysis, modal analysis, or structural analysis.
- Experience designing test fixtures, prototype assemblies, or validation experiments for complex mechanical systems.
- Experience with GD&T, vendor management, machined parts, and design-for-assembly practices.
- Experience with vacuum cleanliness practices, bake-compatible design, leak checking, outgassing tests, RGA data, or cryogenic contamination control.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple design and de-risking efforts in parallel.
$162,000 - $218,000 a year
The base pay range for this role is $162,000 - $218,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.
What's in it for you?We believe our people are our greatest strength and offer a comprehensive rewards package that supports your professional growth, well-being, and long-term success.
- Competitive compensation and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology
- Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance
- Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match and student loan repayment benefit
- Equity opportunities
- Generous paid time off, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually
- Paid parental leave
- Employee discount programs
