Senior Cryogenic Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Cryogenic Engineer. Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of two helium cryoplants and related infrastructure.
• Optimize helium process and system control strategies.
• Integrate cryoplants with cryogenic distribution systems and cryostats used in quantum computing environments.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting of cryogenic systems, including instrumentation faults, vacuum failures, and control logic anomalies.
• Lead commissioning of cryoplants and cryostats, including system calibration, leak checking, and vacuum pumping procedures.
• Lead and manage operational teams, including training and guiding operators during startup, maintenance, and fault recovery.
• Develop maintenance strategies for cryoplants and supporting equipment;
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs).
• Lead commissioning of process automation and control systems, including sensor validation and PLC tuning.
• Develop and review P&IDs and participate in operability and HAZOP reviews to ensure safety and performance.
• Maintain high-performance vacuum systems, identify leaks, and oversee repairs.

Qualifications:

• M.Sc. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with cryogenic systems, including helium refrigeration, LNG, superconducting magnets, or similar technologies.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex cryogenic and process systems involving instrumentation, vacuum integrity, and control issues.
• Strong working knowledge of PLC-based industrial control systems and process instrumentation, including pressure, flow, temperature, and vacuum sensors.
• Ability to provide technical leadership and resolve issues in high-pressure and ambiguous situations;
• Familiarity with the design and implementation of control and instrumentation systems for industrial or scientific facilities.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Chicago base salary: $170,000 to $190,000 USD.
• U.S. base salary range for applicable locations outside the Chicago/Palo Alto ranges: $155,000 to $170,000 USD.
• Full-time employees are eligible for equity and benefits.
• Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, education, training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs.
• Base compensation may be changed or modified in the future.

Other Information:

• PsiQuantum is an equal opportunity employer.
• The company states that it will only contact candidates through an official PsiQuantum email address and will never request bank account information during the interview process.
• PsiQuantum is not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
• The application requires a resume/CV and cover letter;
• Applicants must include the word "purple" in their cover letter.
• The application also asks about work authorization, visa sponsorship, education, LinkedIn profile, and potential relationships with current PsiQuantum employees.
• The job application includes voluntary self-identification forms for gender, race and ethnicity, veteran status, and disability status. These responses are confidential and are not considered in hiring decisions.