AET Overview
Founded
Cryogenics Since
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Business Snapshot
| Physical Location | South Holland, IL USA |
| SAM UEID | JMLKUKTPPMR5 |
| Business Status | Minority Owned Small Business |
| QA Certifications | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Manufacturing Certifications | National Board U, UM, R Stamp for ASME Pressure Vessels |
| Areas of Expertise | Cryogenics, Vacuum, Process Systems, Controls, Pressure Vessels |
| Specializations | Engineering, Welding, Machining, PLC Controls, Waterjet, Pressure & Mass Spec Testing |
Overview
Ability Engineering Technology (AET) designs and delivers engineered cryogenic and vacuum infrastructure for environments where reliability, safety, and long-term performance matter. Our role sits between early concept and real-world operation, translating complex technical requirements into systems that can be built, installed, and sustained.
We operate in programs where failure is not an option and execution quality directly impacts outcomes. By combining in-house engineering, fabrication, and integration, AET reduces handoffs, shortens feedback loops, and lowers risk throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Our work supports advanced research, industrial deployment, and energy-driven initiatives that require more than off-the-shelf solutions. The result is infrastructure designed not just to meet specifications, but to operate reliably over time.
At a Glance
- Engineering-led system delivery
- In-house fabrication and integration
- Long-term operational and lifecycle support
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Where AET Fits
Ability Engineering Technology operates as an engineering-led systems partner, bridging the gap between design intent and operational reality. Our role spans the full lifecycle of complex cryogenic and vacuum infrastructure, allowing us to remain accountable from early definition through commissioning and long-term support.
Rather than functioning as a single-point supplier, AET integrates engineering, fabrication, and field execution into a cohesive delivery model. By maintaining control across disciplines, we reduce fragmentation, limit handoff risk, and resolve issues faster when systems move from paper to hardware. The result is infrastructure that is not only technically sound, but operable, maintainable, and reliable in real-world environments.
Applications Across Advanced Industries
Cryogenic and vacuum systems are rarely standalone assets. They are enabling infrastructure, tightly coupled to the performance, reliability, and scalability of the programs they support. AET designs and delivers systems with the specific operating environment, end use, and lifecycle demands of each industry in mind.
- Quantum Computing
- Semiconductors
- National Laboratories and Research Institutions
- Advanced Energy and Fusion
- Aerospace and Defense
- Additional Markets Supported
Cryogenic infrastructure supporting dilution refrigeration, helium recovery and purification, vacuum distribution, and ultra-low-temperature experimental environments. Systems are designed for long-duration stability, low vibration, and tight thermal control to support sensitive quantum hardware.
AET integrates cryogenic distribution, valve boxes, cold boxes, and control systems into coordinated architectures that scale from single labs to multi-room quantum facilities. Designs emphasize reliability, maintainability, and future expansion as programs evolve from R&D to production-scale platforms.
Cryogenic and vacuum systems supporting advanced process development, metrology, and specialized test environments within semiconductor research and manufacturing ecosystems. Applications often require precise thermal management, contamination control, and integration with complex facility utilities.
AET delivers custom cryogenic piping, vacuum systems, and pressure vessels engineered to interface cleanly with fab tools, test chambers, and cleanroom environments. Systems are designed to meet uptime expectations while accommodating rapid technology transitions and evolving process requirements.
Mission-critical cryogenic and vacuum infrastructure supporting federally funded research, user facilities, and long-term experimental programs. These environments demand robustness, traceability, and compatibility with highly specialized research equipment.
AET supports laboratories with system design, fabrication, and integration services aligned to government standards and institutional safety requirements. Solutions are developed for long service life, ease of maintenance, and adaptability to changing research priorities over decades of operation.
Cryogenic systems supporting fusion research, superconducting technologies, and advanced energy programs requiring extreme thermal performance and system reliability. Applications often involve large-scale infrastructure, high stored energy, and complex operating conditions.
AET designs and delivers cryogenic distribution, purification, and vacuum systems capable of supporting sustained operation and experimental iteration. Emphasis is placed on scalability, operational safety, and coordination with broader facility infrastructure as programs transition from experimental to pilot-scale deployment.
Cryogenic and vacuum systems supporting testing, propulsion research, materials evaluation, and specialized defense applications. These systems frequently operate under strict performance requirements, regulatory oversight, and confidentiality constraints.
AET provides engineered solutions that prioritize reliability, documentation, and compliance while integrating seamlessly into secure facilities and test environments. Systems are designed to support qualification testing, repeatability, and long-term operational readiness.
AET provides targeted cryogenic system support for related industries where similar technical demands apply.
Industrial Gases
Infrastructure for cryogenic gas storage, distribution, purification, and recovery in industrial and research settings.
LNG, Marine, and Energy Applications
Selected cryogenic subsystems and support equipment for energy-related applications, including subcooling, containment, and test infrastructure.
Food and Beverage
Cryogenic process and handling systems supporting freezing, chilling, and controlled-temperature operations.
Automotive
Cryogenic and vacuum infrastructure supporting materials testing, component validation, and advanced propulsion research.
Medical and Life Sciences
Custom cryogenic storage, transfer, and test systems supporting research, diagnostics, and specialized medical applications.
Core Capabilities
Cryogenic Systems
Design and fabrication of custom cryogenic systems supporting research, industrial, and advanced technology environments. Systems are developed with attention to thermal performance, maintainability, and long-term operation.
Typical work includes:
Cryogenic distribution and transfer systems
Helium purification and recovery skids
Cold boxes, piping assemblies, and support structures
System upgrades and expansions
Vacuum Systems and Vessels
Engineering and fabrication of vacuum systems and custom vessels for laboratory and industrial applications, ranging from research-scale equipment to facility infrastructure.
Typical work includes:
Custom vacuum chambers and vessels
Pumping system integration
High-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum support systems
Fabrication to customer and regulatory specifications
Gas Handling and Process Systems
Design and fabrication of gas handling and process systems supporting cryogenic, vacuum, and specialty gas applications.
Typical work includes:
Gas distribution and control skids
Pressure management and safety systems
Integration with cryogenic and vacuum equipment
Build-to-spec and retrofit installations
Fabrication and Manufacturing
In-house fabrication capabilities supporting custom, low-volume, and highly specialized equipment.
Capabilities include:
Precision fabrication and assembly
Welded assemblies and pressure components
Prototype and one-off builds
Production support for repeat equipment
Process Controls and PLC/HMI Systems
In-house design and fabrication of process control systems supporting cryogenic, vacuum, gas handling, and integrated facility equipment. AET develops control architectures that align with mechanical system design and real operational requirements.
Typical work includes:
PLC-based process control system design and implementation
HMI development for operator monitoring and control
Instrumentation specification, wiring, and signal integration
Control panel design, fabrication, and testing
Integration of safety interlocks and system alarms
Integration and Technical Support
Support across the full lifecycle of engineered systems, from early design through installation and operation.
Support includes:
Design reviews and constructability input
Coordination with controls, facilities, and installation teams
Field support during installation and commissioning
Long-term system support and modification
How We Engage
AET supports projects at multiple stages, adapting our role to fit the technical, organizational, and contractual needs of each engagement.
Early Technical Engagement
AET often supports projects during concept development and early design, providing practical input grounded in fabrication and operational experience.
Typical involvement includes:
- Technical consultation and feasibility review
- Design review and constructability feedback
- Scope definition and system architecture input
This early involvement helps identify risks, clarify requirements, and inform downstream design and procurement decisions.
Fabrication and Build-to-Spec Support
AET fabricates custom equipment and subsystems based on customer specifications, performance requirements, and applicable codes.
Typical involvement includes:
- Build-to-spec fabrication and assembly
- Custom, low-volume, and one-off equipment
- Coordination with customer engineering teams
- Inspection, testing, and documentation support
Projects are executed with attention to quality, schedule, and integration into larger systems.
Integration and Installation Support
AET supports system integration in coordination with facilities teams, general contractors, and controls partners.
Typical involvement includes:
- System integration planning
- Field coordination during installation
- Commissioning and startup support
- Interface support with controls and facility infrastructure
This ensures fabricated systems perform as intended within the operating environment.
Long-Term Support and Evolution
Many AET systems remain in service for years or decades. Engagements often extend beyond initial delivery.
Typical involvement includes:
- System modifications and upgrades
- Expansion of existing infrastructure
- Troubleshooting and performance improvements
- Support for evolving operational requirements
This long-term perspective informs how systems are designed, built, and supported from the outset.
AET engages as a technical partner focused on delivering systems that function reliably within real facility and program constraints.
Ecosystem and Partnerships
AET operates within complex technical ecosystems that include research institutions, industrial partners, general contractors, and program stakeholders. Our work is typically one part of a broader system or facility, requiring close coordination and shared technical accountability.
Collaboration Across Project Teams
AET regularly collaborates with:
- Research laboratories and universities
- Industrial and technology partners
- General contractors and construction teams
- Facilities, operations, and maintenance groups
Engagements are structured to support clear communication, defined interfaces, and alignment with overall project objectives.
Role Within Larger Programs
AET often supports programs where cryogenic, vacuum, process, and control systems are foundational infrastructure elements.
Typical roles include:
- Technical contributor during early planning and design phases
- Fabrication partner for critical subsystems
- Integration support within multi-vendor environments
- Long-term support for evolving facilities and programs
This experience informs how systems are designed and built to function reliably within larger operational contexts.
Long-Term Relationships
Many partnerships extend across multiple projects and years of collaboration. AET values continuity, technical trust, and shared understanding of system requirements.
This long-term perspective supports:
- Consistent design and fabrication standards
- Knowledge retention across project phases
- Systems that can be expanded or adapted over time
AET’s partnerships are built around technical clarity, execution reliability, and sustained collaboration across complex engineering environments.
Why AET
AET is trusted on complex projects where engineered systems must perform reliably within demanding technical and operational environments.
Engineering Grounded in Reality
AET’s work is informed by direct experience designing, fabricating, integrating, and supporting real systems. Engineering decisions are made with constructability, maintainability, and long-term operation in mind.
Integrated Capabilities
By combining engineering, fabrication, process systems, and in-house controls, AET delivers cohesive solutions rather than disconnected components. This integration reduces risk, simplifies coordination, and improves system reliability.
Experience in High-Expectation Environments
AET supports projects where performance, safety, and uptime are critical. Experience working within research, industrial, and advanced technology settings informs how systems are specified, built, tested, and supported.
Long-Term Perspective
Many AET systems remain in service for extended periods and evolve as programs grow. This long-term view shapes how systems are designed from the outset, allowing for modification, expansion, and sustained operation over time.
AET focuses on delivering systems that work as intended within the full context of the facilities and programs they support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you work directly with end users, or only through primes?
AET works directly with end users as well as in coordination with general contractors, primes, and program stakeholders, depending on project structure and requirements.
At what stage of a project should we engage AET?
AET supports projects at multiple stages, from early technical planning through fabrication, integration, and long-term system support.
Do you design systems in-house or fabricate to customer designs?
Both. AET provides in-house engineering and controls capabilities and also fabricates equipment based on customer-supplied designs and specifications.
Do you support one-off systems or repeat equipment?
AET supports custom, one-off systems as well as repeat and programmatic equipment, depending on application and scope.
Is AET focused on research environments or industrial facilities?
AET supports both research and industrial environments, including facilities with high reliability, safety, and uptime requirements.
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Contact Information
Ability Engineering Technology, Inc.
Postal Code: 60473 | United States of America
Phone: +1 (708) 331-0025 | Fax: +1 (708) 331-5090
eMail: sales@abilityengineering.com
ASME Section VIII Div 1. U | UM
ISO 9001:2015
Cage Code: 3W141
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