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Infleqtion, a global quantum technology company, is seeking a highly experienced Staff Thermal Engineer to lead thermal design and analysis for space-based quantum sensor payloads. This hybrid role, based in Louisville, CO, is responsible for ensuring sensor heads and electronics maintain proper temperature control during quantum sensing operations in space environments.
Key responsibilities include updating and maintaining system-level thermal models with appropriate fidelity for space environmental constraints, conducting technical reviews of in-house and subcontractor electronic cooling designs, and developing/testing thermal designs for microgravity environments. The engineer will serve as a hands-on technical leader, installing multilayer insulation (MLI), bonding heaters and thermistors using ASTM-E595 approved materials, and adapting flight thermal designs for testing. The role involves presenting progress to senior management and customers, executing modeling and simulation efforts, integrating subsystems and their thermal interfaces, and identifying/engaging key suppliers.
The position requires coaching and mentoring junior engineers, following Infleqtion's Product Lifecycle Process, supporting phase gate and critical design reviews, and contributing to risk management and reliability analysis. Close collaboration with prime customers, internal management, researchers, systems engineers, aerospace experts, manufacturing partners, and external subcontractors is essential. Cross-disciplinary engagement across hardware, software, systems, and mission domains is expected. Up to 10% travel may be required for off-site testing, deliveries, and integration activities.
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in thermal design or related engineering field, 6+ years of progressive experience in similar roles, hands-on experience building EDU and flight hardware, and expertise in MLI installation and ASTM-E595 material selection. Candidates must demonstrate excellent proficiency in design first principles, expert-level understanding of opto-mechanics (free space optical mounting, collimator design, alignment design and tolerancing), demonstrated DFx methodology, tolerance analysis, and appropriate use of AI tools. Desired qualifications include a Master's or PhD in aerospace mechanical engineering, experience delivering advanced technologies to commercial markets, hardware DFx expertise, and familiarity with quantum computing or physics.
