Principal Thermal Engineer

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  Requirements 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 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

Created: 2026-03-04