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Cryogenic Engineer

Fermilab · Batavia, IL · $88,800–$116,900 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about an operating procedure you wrote or improved for a cryogenic system.

What they are checking: Whether they can create clear procedures that keep operations safe and consistent.

Tell me about a process improvement you made to an operating system. How did you prove it worked?

What they are checking: Whether they improve systems with evidence, not guesswork.

How do you work with technicians to verify system functionality?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly and collaborate with technical staff.

What would you do

An alarm shows rising pressure in a cryogenic vessel. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they respond methodically to protect people and equipment.

How do you coordinate maintenance on a cryogenic plant that experiments depend on?

What they are checking: Whether they can plan work to limit downtime for users.

Project needs are growing fast. How would you balance operations support with project tasks?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage competing priorities, which the posting describes.

About the work

Walk me through how a helium refrigeration or liquefaction system works, from compressor to cold box.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the helium cryogenic systems they will operate.

What hazards are specific to cryogenic systems, and how do you design and operate around them?

What they are checking: Whether they take oxygen deficiency, pressure and cold burns seriously.

How would you approach thermal and hydraulic analysis for a new cryogenic transfer line?

What they are checking: Whether they can do the engineering analysis the posting lists.

How do you size relief devices for a cryogenic system?

What they are checking: Whether they understand pressure safety, which is critical for cryogenic design.

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The full job description

As published by Fermilab.

The expected hiring range for this position is: $88,800.00-$116,900.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. This position is not eligible for sponsorship assistance. About the Role: The Fermilab Applied Superconducting and Technology Division (APS-TD) seeks a staff level Cryogenic Engineer to support existing cryogenic system operations and rapidly growing project needs. What your day-to-day as a Cryogenic Engineer at Fermilab will look like: • Operating Helium Cryogenic Systems • Performing and developing operating procedures and solve system problems using investigating engineering • Improving cryogenic operations through process engineering improvements and upgrades • Maintaining and responding to alarms and coordinate system maintenance and improvement plans • Performing project tasks including but not limited to, thermal, hydraulic and structural analysis, cryogenic process design and analysis, and cryogenic component design • Collaborating with technical staff to verify system functionality and performance using strong oral and written communication skills • Contributing effectively within a diverse workforce, and uphold Fermilab’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Skills and Attributes for Success: • Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an accredited institution with 4+ years of engineering experience or 2+ years of experience with a M.S. or PhD in Engineering from an accredited institution • Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering field, preferred • A strong academic background in engineering thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer • Must be available for operational off-hour call-ins and occasional project overtime • Must be able to see the big picture and pay attention to details while performing problem solving analysis on a flexible range of project tasks • Ability to read mechanical drawings and process flow schematics • Ability to use a computer for performing engineering analysis, writing reports, and crafting presentations • Must meet qualification requirements to work in an oxygen deficiency hazard or interlocked area • A cryogenic related thesis project or on-job experience is, preferred • Helium cryogenic experience, preferred • Knowledge of ASME Pressure Vessel and Piping Codes, preferred • Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools, preferred Physical Activity and Work Conditions HUMAN FACTORS : Mental Concentration, Sitting, Standing, Tight Work Schedule Physical Factors: Cryogenics, High Voltage, Oxygen Deficiency Hazard PPE: Eye/Face/Foot/Hand/Hearing Protection Work Arrangement: Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final. • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office. Benefits/Perks: Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts • Paid time off • Life insurance • Short and Long-term disability insurance • Retirement benefits • Onsite day care Why Fermilab: Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole. Pre-Employment Screening: Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. HSPD-12 In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment. Foreign Government Sponsored Activities Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel. REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf . If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. Equal Opportunity Statement Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

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