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Cryogenic System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Leads system engineering activities of spacecraft and instrument systems, including mechanical, thermal, cryogenic, electrical, and other subsystems systems. Plans, designs, develops, evaluates ...

Leads system engineering activities of spacecraft and instrument systems, including mechanical, thermal, cryogenic, electrical, and other subsystems systems. Plans, designs, develops, evaluates ...

Leads system engineering activities of spacecraft and instrument systems, including mechanical, thermal, cryogenic, electrical, and other subsystems systems. Plans, designs, develops, evaluates ...

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Cryogenic System Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do cryogenic system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for cryogenic system engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cryogenic system engineer?

Cryogenic System Engineers are specialized engineers who design, develop, operate, and maintain systems that operate at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C (-238°F). These professionals work with equipment such as cryogenic storage tanks, refrigeration systems, and superconducting magnets, ensuring their safe and efficient operation. They are often employed in industries like aerospace, medical technology, energy, and scientific research, where handling and controlling cryogenic fluids like liquid nitrogen or helium is essential. Cryogenic System Engineers must have a strong understanding of thermodynamics, material science, and safety protocols related to low-temperature environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cryogenic system engineer?

To thrive as a Cryogenic System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, thermodynamics, and cryogenic processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, vacuum systems, cryogenic instrumentation, and safety protocols is crucial, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help set candidates apart in this technical field. These competencies are vital for designing, operating, and troubleshooting complex cryogenic systems safely and efficiently in research or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by cryogenic system engineers in managing large-scale projects?

Cryogenic System Engineers often face challenges such as maintaining ultra-low temperatures over extended periods, ensuring system reliability, and preventing contamination or leaks in complex setups. Managing large-scale projects also involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, adhering to strict safety protocols, and troubleshooting unforeseen issues under tight deadlines. Effective project management and clear communication are crucial to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the success of cryogenic systems in research or industrial applications.

What is the difference between Cryogenic System Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCryogenic System EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering; specialized knowledge in cryogenicsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; general engineering knowledge
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, industrial plants, aerospace facilities involving cryogenic systemsManufacturing, design, and testing across various industries
Industry UsageEnergy, aerospace, medical, and scientific research sectorsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and general engineering sectors

While both roles require engineering degrees, Cryogenic System Engineers specialize in designing and maintaining systems involving extremely low temperatures, often in scientific or aerospace contexts. Mechanical Engineers have broader roles across multiple industries, focusing on mechanical design and analysis. The two roles overlap in technical skills but differ in specialization and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Cryogenic System Engineer jobs?

For Cryogenic System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cryogenic System Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Locum Tenens, 10% Internship, 67% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Lead Mechanical Engineer - EIC Cryogenics

Newport News, VA • On-site

Phase2 Technology
Software Development • 51 - 200 employees

$139K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

At Jefferson Lab, you'll champion cutting-edge science and operational excellence while shaping the future of discovery. Join us and make your mark - where excellence meets purpose, and great minds truly matter.

The good-faith pay range for this role is $139,400 - $200,100 per year. Actual compensation may vary and may be above the posted range based on factors such as a candidate's skills, experience, education, certifications, and work location.

What your job will be like:

The candidate will supervise a group of Mechanical Engineers. Will work on multiple major cryogenic projects of the highest complexity, which include a sub-atmospheric 2 Kelvin temperature cryogenic system. Will be responsible for long-range planning, budgeting, and progress tracking.

In this job you will:
  • Lead and direct the work of other mechanical engineers and interact with other plant engineers, design engineers and technicians for the design, fabrication, and installation efforts in multiple complex projects.
  • Provide support to the management for the Lab's cryogenic contribution to the most advanced and complex Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) project providing work planning, execution strategy, acquisition strategy, and progress assessment.
  • Provide mechanical design support to multi-laboratory collaborative cryogenic projects and inhouse project based on priorities.
  • Generate ideas and provide innovative solutions to cryogenic systems' highest complexity mechanical design challenges.
  • Ensure transfer of mechanical design knowledge [thermal and structural analysis] from senior staff to junior mechanical engineers.
  • May motivate young mechanical engineers to work on challenging thermal and structural analysis work to increase their know-how.
  • May introduce new ideas to enhance the mechanical engineering design productivity.
  • May mentor summer students to expand the knowledge base and to increase the popularity of cryogenic engineering.
Experience
  • Required: 15 or more years relevant experience
  • Preferred: 4 or more years related to cryogenics
Education
  • Required: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
  • Preferred: Master's Degree in Engieering
Experience and Education Exchange

Education above the minimum may be substituted for experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • High levels of technical knowledge, ingenuity and creativity.
  • Develops and applies advanced technologies, engineering principles, theories and concepts. Broad knowledge about the design and operation of systems outside of specialty.
  • Widely recognized as a technical expert within the professional community. Accomplishments contribute to state of the art field in the area of expertise both within and outside the lab.
  • Able to effectively train people outside his/her work group.
  • Able to give effective presentations to critical/high level customers and effectively represent work group on review panels and cross-organizational teams.
  • Can write convincing proposals and reports with all necessary backup material for external consumption.
About Jefferson Lab

Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.

A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of "big science" and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by SURATech, LLC, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.

Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab

At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
  • 401(k) Plan - 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
  • (Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
  • Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
  • Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches, mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast

SURATech, LLC manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURATech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SURATech is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am - 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.

Employment with SURATech is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.

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