Principal Thermal Engineer - Space Payload Design, Analysis and Modeling

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables “quantum everywhere” through our ecosystem of devices and platforms. 

Location 

Infleqtion has 6 office locations, operating out of Boulder/Louisville, CO; Madison, WI; Chicago, IL; Oxford, UK; and Melbourne, AU. This position is a full-time, hybrid position which will be located in our Louisville, CO office. 

Position Summary 

Infleqtion is seeking a highly experienced thermal analyst; this role is responsible for keeping our sensor head and electronics temperature limits in check when performing physics sequences enabling quantum sensing operations in space.   

The role requires close collaboration with our prime customer(s), internal management, researchers, systems engineers, aerospace experts, manufacturing partners, suppliers, and external subcontractors. The individual will actively engage customers and partners throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring delivery against milestones and commitments while maintaining alignment with Infleqtion’s internal product lifecycle and quality standards. Cross-disciplinary engagement is expected, with this role driving technical alignment across hardware, software, systems, and mission domains. 

Travel 

Up to 10% travel may be required to support off-site testing, deliveries, and integration. 

Job Responsibilities 

The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned. 

• Update the existing system-level thermal model with the appropriate fidelity to ensure the physics sequence operates within space environmental constraints 

• Conduct regular technical discussions and model reviews of in-house and subcontractor electronic card and enclosure cooling designs, including some of them which have unique thermal requirements 

• Develop and test EDU thermal designs for microgravity environments 

• Adapt flight thermal designs for microgravity testing 

• Serve as a hands-on engineer with experience building both EDU and flight hardware 

• Install MLI and bond heaters and thermistors using ASTM-E595 approved materials 

• Presenting progress and results to senior management and the end customer 

• Execution of modelling, simulation, and analytical efforts required to enable product performance 

• Integration of subsystems and their thermal requirements / interfaces 

• Identifying and engaging key suppliers 

• Following Infleqtion’s Product Lifecycle Process and supporting Phase gate reviews, critical design reviews, and executive updates 

• Supporting development of risk management plans and risk resolution, and supporting reliability analysis and continuous improvement 

• Coaching and mentoring junior engineers 

• Other duties as assigned or required 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus in thermal design or a related engineering field 

• 6+ years of relevant and progressive experience in similar roles  

• Hands on engineer with experience building both EDU and flight hardware  

• Experience installing MLI, bonding of heaters and thermistors using ASTM-E595 approved materials  

• Leverages AI appropriately; understands limitations of current offerings 

• Excellent proficiency in design first principles   

• Expert level understanding of opto-mechanics, including free space optical mounting, collimator design, free space and fiber coupled alignment design and tolerancing  

• Demonstrated Dfx (design to cost etc.)  

• Understanding of ASTM E595 – how to choose materials for space  

• Experience designing custom flexure mounts for both optics and instruments  

• Tolerance analysis   

• Hands on engineer with experience building both EDU and flight hardware  

• Uses AI appropriately for leverage; understands limitations of current platforms 

• Ability to travel domestically and (potentially) internationally up to 10% 

Desired Qualifications 

• Comfortable with a hands-on approach to engineering leadership 

• Master’s or PhD degree in aerospace mechanical engineering or related field 

• Experience in delivering new, advanced technologies to commercial markets 

• Experience in hardware DFx (design for cost, manufacturing, assembly, test, sustainment) 

• Familiarity with quantum computing, mechanics, or physics  

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements 

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license 

 
Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers.  Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance.  Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person).  Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements. 

Benefits 

• Salary range: 160,000 to 200,000 USD/year

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability  

• Employer-funded Health Savings Account  

• Unlimited PTO  

• 401(k) match  

• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance  

• Flexible Savings Account  

• Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave  

• Employee Assistance Program  

• Student Loan Repayment 
• Equity Package