HTS Magnet Engineering Manager

Kearny, NJ
Technology – Magnet Engineering /
Full-time /
On-site
About Thea Energy:
Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.

Position Overview

Thea Energy is seeking an experienced HTS Magnet Engineering Manager to lead a team of magnet engineers responsible for the design, build, and test of high temperature superconducting (“HTS”) magnets. HTS magnets are foundational components of Thea Energy’s planar coil stellarator, making compact, simpler, and lower-cost fusion systems possible. Key responsibilities for this role include managing your team’s project performance and developing engineering processes, procedures and design methods to ensure the team is able to execute necessary project scope. This role contributes to the magnet engineering roadmap, manages and mentors a growing team of engineers, and works closely with program leadership to hit aggressive milestones. You will have significant autonomy to shape team processes and must be able to move quickly in a fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibility Areas

  • Lead, manage, and mentor a team of HTS magnet engineers and analysts, including hiring and performance development
  • Own the execution of magnet design, build, and test schedules against program goals and milestones
  • Set technical direction for magnet specifications based on system design and performance requirements, reviewing and approving team analyses (Ansys EM, Structural, COMSOL, etc.)
  • Drive development and adoption of design tools, data analysis software, and engineering processes across the team
  • Ensure design for manufacturing principles are incorporated and oversee support for first builds
  • Oversee production of design specifications and manage vendor relationships to secure quotes and deliver qualified hardware
  • Ensure magnet system designs are integrated with manufacturing and testing teams for smooth transition through the product lifecycle
  • Track, report, and communicate team progress and risks to program leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Manage team workload, priorities, and resourcing across concurrent magnet development efforts

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

  • 5+ years of engineering experience with magnets, cryogenics, vacuum systems, or transformer design, including experience leading or mentoring engineers
  • Demonstrated experience managing people and/or technical projects, including planning, prioritization, and delivery against deadlines
  • Deep hands-on experience with CAD software (Solidworks, CATIA, NX, etc.) and Multiphysics tools (Ansys, COMSOL)
  • Experience specifying machining, welding, and fabrication requirements, and managing vendor relationships
  • Strong ability to work through and guide others in solving highly multidisciplinary engineering problems
  • Proven ability to take initiative, drive accountability, and operate independently in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
  • Comfortable setting and working to aggressive deadlines while balancing team wellbeing
  • Exceptional work ethic and a track record of building strong, collaborative engineering teams
  • Clear, confident communicator able to represent the team to internal and external stakeholders
  • Innate desire to learn, innovate, and critique ideas — including one’s own and the team’s
  • At least a bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field; advanced degree a plus
  • Experience with magnetic confinement fusion, aerospace, medical devices, or other highly technical industries is highly desired

Company Benefits:

  • Salary range $190,000-$220,000
  • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
  • Employee equity stock options
  • 20 days PTO

Requirements:

  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call.
  • Ability to work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.
It’s not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.