Senior Cryogenic Engineer
Are you an expert in cryogenic systems, ready to lead projects and teams supporting world-class scientific research? We’re seeking a Senior Cryogenic Engineer to join a specialized team designing, upgrading, and operating helium liquefaction and refrigeration systems for superconducting magnets and advanced accelerator technology.
About the Opportunity:
You’ll play a key role in supporting research initiatives that drive the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Your work will help enable discoveries in nuclear and particle physics, energy and climate sciences, quantum information science, artificial intelligence, and national security.
As Senior Cryogenic Engineer, you’ll manage projects, lead teams, and collaborate with technical experts to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative cryogenic solutions. You’ll be hands-on with everything from process simulation and system design to commissioning and operation, ensuring the success of pioneering research facilities.
Key Responsibilities:
· Manage engineering projects, developing project plans, schedules, resource needs, and budgets.
· Lead and supervise teams of technicians and engineers on daily activities and project objectives.
· Collaborate with senior engineering and scientific staff to define requirements, review assignments, and ensure project alignment.
· Oversee system-level engineering, equipment specification, and drawing packages in compliance with lab and national safety codes.
· Guide the design and integration of cryogenic components, including piping systems, cryostats, and vacuum-jacketed lines.
· Coordinate fabrication, assembly, testing, and installation of cryogenic equipment.
· Develop purchase specifications, interface with vendors/fabricators, and travel as needed for meetings and witness tests.
· Present designs in technical reviews and manage work planning, hazard analyses, and safety reviews.
· Supervise technicians during assembly, installation, and commissioning.
What We’re Looking For:
· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
· Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in cryogenic systems, helium plant, or process equipment engineering/operations.
· Experience with plant/system process simulation and cryogenic property databases (e.g., HePak, Gaspak, Refprop, Aspen HYSYS).
· Proficient in creating/reviewing P&IDs and PFDs for cryogenic plant systems.
· Practical finite element analysis experience (ANSYS Workbench).
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficient with MS Office and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications:
· MS or higher in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, with a focus on cryogenic engineering.
· 10+ years’ experience in cryogenic systems or related process equipment.
· Proven experience leading or supervising engineering teams.
· Experience with cryogenic plant processes or refrigeration cycles.
· Familiarity with ASME BPVC VIII, ASME B31.3, CGA standards, NFPA, OSHA, and building codes.
· Project management skills; proficiency with MS Project.
· Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:
· Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and in oxygen-deficient, high-noise, or static magnetic environments.
· Willingness to become a qualified Radiation Worker and work in radiation areas.
· May require occasional off-hours, night, or weekend work for mission-critical projects.
Additional Information:
· Some domestic travel required for vendor meetings, project reviews, conferences, or training.
· On-site role with flexible telework (1–2 days/week) possible by arrangement.
· Eligibility: U.S. Citizens Only.
Due to the nature of the work and government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this position.
· Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Salary range: $111,300 – $160,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications