ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cryogenic Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PsiQuantum

Mechanical Design Drafter

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

The cryogenic engineering department is hiring a mechanical design drafter who will be heavily involved in the cryogenic system design. This position will detail the mechanical drawing package and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCryogenic Engineering Jobs

Cryogenic Engineering information

See salary details

$13

$25

$37

How much do cryogenic engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cryogenic engineering in the United States is $25.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cryogenic engineers make?

Cryogenic engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and industry sector. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cryogenic systems and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in research, aerospace, or energy industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cryogenic Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cryogenic Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in low-temperature systems. Familiarity with CAD software, cryogenic process simulation tools, and safety regulations, as well as certifications in cryogenics or pressure systems, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for this field. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient design, operation, and maintenance of cryogenic systems, which are vital for applications in industries like aerospace, medical, and energy.

What is cryogenic engineering?

Cryogenic engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on the production, maintenance, and application of extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C (-238°F). This discipline involves the design and operation of equipment and systems used to produce, store, and transport liquefied gases such as liquid nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen. Applications of cryogenic engineering can be found in industries like aerospace, medical technology, energy, and scientific research, where materials and processes require ultra-low temperatures. Cryogenic engineers work on challenges related to thermal insulation, material properties at low temperatures, and safe handling of cryogenic fluids.

What is the difference between Cryogenic Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectCryogenic EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Cryogenic Engineering or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, industries handling low-temperature systemsFactories, design offices, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageSpecialized in low-temperature systems, liquefied gases, cryogenics researchBroad applications including machinery, automotive, aerospace

While both fields require engineering degrees, Cryogenic Engineering focuses on low-temperature systems and liquefied gases, often working in specialized labs and industries. Mechanical Engineering covers a wider range of mechanical systems and industries, making Cryogenic Engineering a niche within the broader mechanical field.

What are some common challenges faced by cryogenic engineers in daily operations?

Cryogenic engineers often work with extremely low temperatures, which presents unique challenges such as material brittleness, thermal contraction, and the need for specialized insulation. Ensuring safety and preventing leaks or contamination are critical, as even minor failures can have significant consequences. Additionally, cryogenic engineers frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and safety engineers, to design, test, and maintain complex systems. Adapting to new technologies and strict regulatory standards is also a regular part of the job.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Cryogenic engineers with significant expertise in research, development, or management may also reach this level, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications. High salaries are typically associated with industries involving complex systems, safety-critical environments, or high-value projects.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or advanced certifications.

What does a cryogenic engineer do?

A cryogenic engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that handle extremely low-temperature fluids and gases, such as liquid nitrogen or helium. They work on applications like superconducting magnets, space technology, and liquefied gases, often using specialized tools and safety protocols to ensure system efficiency and safety.
More about Cryogenic Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Cryogenic Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Cryogenic Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Cryogenic Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Cryogenic Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cryogenic Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cryogenic Engineering jobs are:
Cryogenic Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryogenic Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,344 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Mechanical Design Drafter

Mechanical Design Drafter

PsiQuantum

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.
Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale.
PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.
Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.
Come join us.
Job Summary:
The cryogenic engineering department is hiring a mechanical design drafter who will be heavily involved in the cryogenic system design. This position will detail the mechanical drawing package and documentation needed for cryogenic system manufacture.
Responsibilities:
  • In this role as Mechanical Design Drafter, you will focus primarily on the development of the CAD model, drawing package and related documentation to support PsiQ cryogenic system.
  • Acting as a detailer to produce CAD model, assembly drawings and layouts on complex electronical optical assembly.
  • General design activities such as requirements management, materials and component selection, and tolerance analyses.
  • Reviewing drawings for accuracy, conformance to project requirements, and manufacturability.
  • Possessing high technical aptitude and being able to: visualize physical forms, develop feasible configurations, and understand engineering information.
  • Participate in cryostats and cryogenic system commissioning.

Experience/Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, nuclear, or chemical engineering.
  • 3 plus years of relevant mechanical design experience on a large-scale system.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and their applications used for vacuum applications and cryogenics.
  • Knowledge of drafting standards and methods, geometric dimensioning & tolerancing.
  • Solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.
  • Aptitude in computer-aided parametric solid modeling design and detailing.
  • Software tools - Solidworks, PTC Creo, Siemens NX.
  • Experience with PLM software and document management systems, Team Center, Windchill, Agile

Desired Skills/Experience:
  • Experience working with cryogenic systems.
  • Experience working with ASME Boiler Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC Section IIIV) and ASME Process Pipe Code (B31.3).
  • Knowledge of fabrication methods such as machining, welding, brazing, soldering, forming, etc.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
U.S. Base Pay Range
$114,000-$125,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range
$140,000-$155,000 USD

Apply