Senior Mechanical Engineer (Cryogenics)

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International, we’re pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on cryogenics, you’ll join a dynamic team committed to supporting our partners and making the world’s energy systems more resilient, efficient, and reliable.  

Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, the Senior Mechanical Engineer leads the design, development, testing, and integration of cryogenic systems and components that enable the deployment of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. Working closely with internal engineering teams, customers, and industry partners, this role combines advanced mechanical engineering, hands-on laboratory work, and product development to support the commercialization of next-generation superconducting solutions. 

Key Responsibilities 

Engineering  

• Applies advanced mechanical and cryogenic engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges related to superconducting systems, thermal management, cryogenic integration, and system performance. 

• Designs and executes cryogenic test protocols, including thermal cycling, heat load validation, electrical joint resistance measurements, and system performance evaluations. 

• Prepares detailed engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, test procedures, thermal analyses, and technical reports to communicate design concepts, validation results, and engineering recommendations. 

• Procures fabrication of custom cryogenic components, fixtures, and laboratory test hardware.  

• Evaluates cryogenic system architectures of partners, component selection, sourcing considerations, and integration constraints.  

• Diligence and develop engineering cost models for integrated superconducting systems.  

• Identifies opportunities for customers to improve cryogenic system performance, reduce integration costs, enhance manufacturability, and optimize overall product performance while contributing to operational excellence initiatives. 

Project Management  

• Collaborates with internal engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and strategic partners to support successful product development and deployment. 

• Owns cryogenic engineering projects from concept through implementation, including system design, laboratory validation, prototype development, and partner integration activities. 

• Leads or contributes to cross-functional design reviews, integrating cryogenic mechanical solutions into broader superconducting cable systems and electrical infrastructure. 

Mentorship  

• Provides technical mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers. 

• Participates in peer reviews and helps shape engineering best practices and team development. 

Other duties as assigned  

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Cryogenic Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related engineering discipline. 

• Four years of experience in an engineering role, including hands-on experience with cryogenic systems operating between 4 K and 77 K. 

• An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis, depending on relevance and level. 

• Experience with HTS cable fabrication, superconducting magnet systems, current lead engineering, cryogenic systems, or related superconducting technologies. 

• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and operating laboratory test equipment and experimental systems. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience leading technical projects or engineering workstreams involving cryogenic or superconducting technologies. 

• Experience performing heat load analysis, thermal modeling, and cryogenic system optimization. 

• Knowledge of commercial cryocooler technologies, including Gifford-McMahon, Stirling, and pulse tube systems. 

• Experience supporting superconducting cable, fusion energy, MRI, accelerator, or national laboratory programs. 

• Experience collaborating directly with customers, technical partners, or external research organizations. 

• Publications, patents, or significant technical contributions related to superconducting technologies or cryogenic engineering. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:  

• Deep technical competence in mechanical and cryogenic system design, testing, integration, and execution. 

• Strong understanding of thermal management, cryogenic system performance, and superconducting applications. 

• Hands-on laboratory, prototyping, and troubleshooting experience. 

• Strong communication and technical documentation skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with customers, research partners, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams. 

• Ability to work independently while managing complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced research, development, and manufacturing environment. 

Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs.  

MetOx is proud to offer competitive benefits including: 

• Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment 

• 401(k) match 

• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance 

• Educational reimbursement 

• And more! 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.