Cryogenic Systems Engineer
$110,000–$165,000 year
On-siteSan Leandro, California, United States
Job Summary
Design, commission, and maintain the high-vacuum cryopumping and 4 K target cooling systems for the Z-Star pulsed-power facility. Define cryopump sizing and regeneration schedules to meet base pressure and shot-repetition-rate targets while managing liquid helium logistics and dewar operations. Diagnose vacuum performance issues, resolve outgassing sources, and enforce cryogenic safety procedures including ODH assessments and pressure-vessel inspections. Develop preventive-maintenance programs for cryocoolers and transfer lines, train operations staff on emergency response, and integrate temperature and pressure instrumentation into the facility control system.
Required Qualifications
- B.Sc or M.Sc in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or Chemical Engineering with demonstrated cryogenics specialization
- 2+ years of hands-on experience designing, operating, or maintaining cryogenic systems at liquid-helium temperatures (4 K) in a research or industrial facility
- Proficiency with cryopump systems including sizing, installation, and regeneration cycles
- Strong working knowledge of vacuum science and technology: pumping speed, conductance, outgassing, leak detection using He mass spectrometry, residual gas analysis, and pressure measurement
- Experience designing or operating liquid-helium dewars, cryostats, and VJ transfer lines
- Familiarity with cryogenic instrumentation including thermometry, pressure, flow, and liquid-level measurement from 4 K to 300 K
- U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with fusion energy, pulsed power, or particle-accelerator cryogenic systems, particularly high-voltage-isolated cryogenic assemblies
- Familiarity with MagLIF-type target cryostats or ICF cryogenic target-preparation systems
- Experience with Gifford-McMahon (GM) or Pulse Tube (PT) cryocoolers for closed-cycle refrigeration
- Knowledge of cryogenic safety standards including ASME Section VIII, CGA G-5.4, ODH analysis procedures, and pressure-relief system design
- Experience with large vacuum-chamber systems (>10 m3) in a pulsed or repetitive-shot experimental facility
- Proficiency in thermal modeling and simulation using ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent tools
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