Position: Senior Cryogenic Characterization Engineer / Lab Lead
Location: Hampton, NH
Ardent Concepts, an Amphenol company, designs and manufactures high-performance multicoax and coaxial interconnect solutions used in next-generation semiconductor, quantum computing, test & measurement, and advanced electronics applications. Our patented technologies deliver high signal integrity in compact, high-performance designs.
Our focus is on helping bring next generation computing to market through novel connector designs for test & measurement, OEM applications, and specialized military applications. Ardent's patented contact technologies are well suited for advanced multi-GHz applications such as board stack connectors, coaxial connectors, FPGA sockets, flex circuit connectors, probe interfaces, and mezzanine card connectors. We have a complete line of high-performance interfaces for the most advanced chipsets such as RF devices, ASICS, switches, processors, and MEMS devices. We support chip to chip, chip to board, board to board, and flex to board applications.
We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Cryogenic Characterization Engineer / Lab Lead to join our R&D team in Hampton, NH. This position will provide technical leadership for the electrical, thermal, mechanical, and cryogenic characterization, validation, and qualification of next-generation Quantum and cryogenic interconnect products. The role will also drive improvements in laboratory capability, automation, efficiency, and throughput to support product development and customer qualification.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who can independently develop and execute test methods, operate and improve cryogenic test systems, troubleshoot complex hardware, analyze data, and develop technical reports. The position will work closely with R&D, mechanical, electrical, signal integrity, manufacturing, quality, and customer-facing teams to establish robust validation methods and ensure products meet performance requirements in cryogenic and extreme-environment applications.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead electrical, thermal, mechanical, and cryogenic characterization and qualification of Quantum and cryogenic interconnect products.
- Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and qualification programs for new and existing products.
- Operate, maintain, and improve cryogenic test systems, cryostats, cryocoolers, vacuum systems, instrumentation, and laboratory infrastructure.
- Develop and perform electrical and RF characterization using VNAs, TDRs, multimeters, temperature controllers, data-acquisition systems, and related equipment.
- Develop thermal and mechanical characterization methods to evaluate heat load, thermal performance, temperature cycling, and product reliability at cryogenic temperatures.
- Design, build, and improve test fixtures, instrumentation, adapters, and laboratory hardware required for characterization and qualification.
- Analyze test data to identify trends, anomalies, failure mechanisms, and opportunities for product and process improvement.
- Lead technical troubleshooting and root-cause investigations related to cryogenic testing and product performance.
- Develop automated test methods and improve laboratory processes to increase throughput, repeatability, data quality, and efficiency.
- Establish test methods, acceptance criteria, and qualification requirements in collaboration with R&D, engineering, quality, manufacturing, and customers.
- Generate technical test reports and provide technical support for customer qualification and product development programs.
- Mentor engineers and technicians in cryogenic testing, instrumentation, data analysis, laboratory practices, and safe operation of cryogenic equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field; MS preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in cryogenic testing, characterization, test engineering, interconnect development, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems, cryostats, dilution refrigerators, vacuum systems, or low-temperature test equipment.
- Experience developing and executing electrical, thermal, mechanical, and/or environmental characterization and qualification testing.
- Strong understanding of cryogenic testing principles, including heat transfer, thermal conduction, radiation, temperature measurement, and cryogenic materials behavior.
- Experience with cryogenic electrical/RF test equipment such as VNAs, TDRs, multimeters, temperature controllers, and data-acquisition systems.
- Experience developing test fixtures, instrumentation, automated test methods, and laboratory hardware.
- Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, technical writing, project management, and communication skills.
- Ability to independently drive multiple technical projects and work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer-facing teams.
- Hands-on mindset with strong attention to measurement accuracy, repeatability, and laboratory safety.