Staff Thermal Engineer - Space Payload Design, Analysis and Modeling

Infleqtion•Louisville, CO

51d•$153,000 - $203,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Infleqtion is seeking a highly experienced thermal analyst for a full-time, hybrid position located in Louisville, CO. This role is responsible for managing the temperature limits of sensor heads and electronics during quantum sensing operations in space. The position requires close collaboration with customers, management, researchers, systems engineers, and external partners throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring alignment with Infleqtion's product and quality standards. The role involves cross-disciplinary engagement with hardware, software, systems, and mission domains.

Requirements

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%

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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