Senior Cryogenics Engineer
Ready to take your cryogenics expertise to the next level? At Realta Fusion, you’ll join a fast-moving team turning bold scientific ideas into real-world innovation — with cryogenic engineering at the heart of it all.
Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time – tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem.
The Senior Cryogenics Engineer will lead the design, development, and operation of advanced cryogenic systems that support Realta’s compact magnetic mirror fusion platform. This role will integrate deep expertise in cryogenic processes with hands-on engineering and systems-level thinking to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable performance of cryogenic infrastructure. [DB1] The successful candidate will collaborate closely with engineering and physics teams to drive innovation in cryogenic systems for all devices on Realta’s technology development roadmap, including the prototype device Anvil, the first commercial device Hammir, and all associated systems and subsystems.
Responsibilities
What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:
Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time – tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem.
The Senior Cryogenics Engineer will lead the design, development, and operation of advanced cryogenic systems that support Realta’s compact magnetic mirror fusion platform. This role will integrate deep expertise in cryogenic processes with hands-on engineering and systems-level thinking to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable performance of cryogenic infrastructure. [DB1] The successful candidate will collaborate closely with engineering and physics teams to drive innovation in cryogenic systems for all devices on Realta’s technology development roadmap, including the prototype device Anvil, the first commercial device Hammir, and all associated systems and subsystems.
Responsibilities
- Lead design, analysis, development, and deployment of cryogenic cooling and pumping systems.
- Develop and implement process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and thermodynamic models.
- Specify, source, and integrate cryogenic components including valves, pumps, heat exchangers, insulation, and sensors.
- Drive system-level integration of cryogenic subsystems into Realta’s experimental and commercial platforms.
- Support commissioning, validation, and operation of cryogenic systems.
- Collaborate with controls teams on automation, data acquisition, and safety interlocks.
- Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and maintenance planning, for cryogenic equipment.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to company-wide technical strategy in cryogenics.
- Ensure compliance with safety codes, pressure standards, and industrial best practices.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Cryogenics, Physics, or a related field.7+ years of experience in cryogenic system design, development, or R&D.
- Expertise in low-temperature thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
- Hands-on experience with cryogenic fluids such as helium, hydrogen, or nitrogen.
- Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, Aspen HYSYS).\
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Advanced degree in a related field or equivalent applied research experience.
- Experience with superconducting magnet systems, quantum or fusion applications.
- Familiarity with ultra-high-vacuum systems and material behavior at cryogenic temperatures.
- Demonstrated leadership in multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:
- Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options.
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a retirement savings plan.
- Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance.
- Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin — one of America’s most livable and vibrant cities.