Position: Senior Cryogenic Characterization Engineer / Lab LeadLocation: Hampton, NHWe are currently seeking an experienced
Senior Cryogenic Characterization Engineer / Lab Lead to join our R&D team in Hampton, NH. This position will provide technical leadership for the electrical, thermal, mechanical, and cryogenic characterization, validation, and qualification of next-generation Quantum and cryogenic interconnect products. The role will also drive improvements in laboratory capability, automation, efficiency, and throughput to support product development and customer qualification.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who can independently develop and execute test methods, operate and improve cryogenic test systems, troubleshoot complex hardware, analyze data, and develop technical reports. The position will work closely with R&D, mechanical, electrical, signal integrity, manufacturing, quality, and customer-facing teams to establish robust validation methods and ensure products meet performance requirements in cryogenic and extreme-environment applications.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Lead electrical, thermal, mechanical, and cryogenic characterization and qualification of Quantum and cryogenic interconnect products.
- Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and qualification programs for new and existing products.
- Operate, maintain, and improve cryogenic test systems, cryostats, cryocoolers, vacuum systems, instrumentation, and laboratory infrastructure.
- Develop and perform electrical and RF characterization using VNAs, TDRs, multimeters, temperature controllers, data-acquisition systems, and related equipment.
- Develop thermal and mechanical characterization methods to evaluate heat load, thermal performance, temperature cycling, and product reliability at cryogenic temperatures.
- Design, build, and improve test fixtures, instrumentation, adapters, and laboratory hardware required for characterization and qualification.
- Analyze test data to identify trends, anomalies, failure mechanisms, and opportunities for product and process improvement.
- Lead technical troubleshooting and root-cause investigations related to cryogenic testing and product performance.
- Develop automated test methods and improve laboratory processes to increase throughput, repeatability, data quality, and efficiency.
- Establish test methods, acceptance criteria, and qualification requirements in collaboration with R&D, engineering, quality, manufacturing, and customers.
- Generate technical test reports and provide technical support for customer qualification and product development programs.
- Mentor engineers and technicians in cryogenic testing, instrumentation, data analysis, laboratory practices, and safe operation of cryogenic equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS:- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field; MS preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in cryogenic testing, characterization, test engineering, interconnect development, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems, cryostats, dilution refrigerators, vacuum systems, or low-temperature test equipment.
- Experience developing and executing electrical, thermal, mechanical, and/or environmental characterization and qualification testing.
- Strong understanding of cryogenic testing principles, including heat transfer, thermal conduction, radiation, temperature measurement, and cryogenic materials behavior.
- Experience with cryogenic electrical/RF test equipment such as VNAs, TDRs, multimeters, temperature controllers, and data-acquisition systems.
- Experience developing test fixtures, instrumentation, automated test methods, and laboratory hardware.
- Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, technical writing, project management, and communication skills.
- Ability to independently drive multiple technical projects and work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer-facing teams.
- Hands-on mindset with strong attention to measurement accuracy, repeatability, and laboratory safety.
