Principal Thermal Engineer - Space Payload Design, Analysis and Modeling

Overview

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.

Infleqtion has six office locations:
Boulder/Louisville, CO;
Madison, WI;
Chicago, IL;
Oxford, UK; and Melbourne, AU. This full‑time hybrid position will be located in our Louisville, CO office.

The role is a highly experienced thermal analyst responsible for maintaining sensor head and electronics temperature limits during physics sequences that enable quantum sensing operations in space. The analyst collaborates with prime customers, internal management, researchers, systems engineers, aerospace experts, manufacturing partners, suppliers, and external subcontractors. The role engages customers and partners throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring delivery against milestones while aligning with Infleqtion’s product lifecycle and quality standards.

Cross‑disciplinary engagement is expected, driving technical alignment across hardware, software, systems, and mission domains.

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

• Update the existing system‑level thermal model with appropriate fidelity to keep the physics sequence within space environmental constraints.
• Conduct regular technical discussions and model reviews of in‑house and subcontractor electronic card and enclosure cooling designs, including those with 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 building both EDU and flight hardware.
• Install MLI and bond heaters and thermistors using ASTM‑E595 approved materials.
• Present progress and results to senior management and the end customer.
• Execute modelling, simulation, and analytical efforts required to enable product performance.
• Integrate subsystems and their thermal requirements and interfaces.
• Identify and engage key suppliers.
• Follow Infleqtion’s Product Lifecycle Process and support Phase gate reviews, critical design reviews, and executive updates.
• Support development of risk management plans and risk resolution, and contribute to reliability analysis and continuous improvement.
• Coaching and mentoring junior engineers.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in thermal design or a related engineering field.
• Six or more years of relevant and progressive experience in similar roles.
• Hands‑on engineer experience building both EDU and flight hardware.
• Experience installing MLI and bonding heaters and thermistors using ASTM‑E595 approved materials.
• 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 for selecting materials for space.
• Experience designing custom flexure mounts for optics and instruments.
• Tolerance analysis skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%.

Desired Qualifications

• Comfort with a hands‑on approach to engineering leadership.
• Master’s or PhD in aerospace mechanical engineering or related field.
• Experience 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.

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). Any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these laws and may require…