Thea Energy is building an economical and scalable fusion energy system utilizing arrays of mass manufacturable magnets and dynamic software controls. Commercial fusion energy can uniquely provide a abundant source of zero-emission power for a sustainable future. Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in computation and controls to reinvent the stellarator, a scientifically mature form of magnetic fusion technology. Thea Energy was founded in 2022 as a spin-out of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Princeton University, where the stellarator was originally invented. Thea Energy is currently designing its first integrated fusion system, Eos, based on its planar coil stellarator architecture which will produce fusion neutrons at scale and in steady-state.
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 looking for an experienced, highly motivated materials scientist to join its rapidly growing team. You will have ownership over the identification, selection, and development of materials and coatings throughout the stellarator. You will be part of a team evaluating materials for various environments and eventual selection and specification of materials for production. You will be responsible for developing and maturing various material processes including joining and coatings. You will work with industry and research partners to develop the next generation of materials and coatings for use in fusion systems. The Thea Energy team is comprised of driven and creative individuals passionate about solving complex problems.
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.
Key Responsibility Areas:
Have ownership of the selection and development of near-term and long-term materials compatible with the fusion environmentWork with engineers and researchers to explore novel materials, material joining methods, including process validation, and inspection techniquesWork with industry partners on developing materials at a scale sufficient to meet the production deadlinesInvestigate the effects of the fusion environment on components to estimate lifetime, failure modes, inspection interval, and repair/replacement optionsWork with industry partners to develop plasma facing coatings and novel material systemsTrack and report results and progress against program goals and milestonesCommunicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholdersIdeal Experience & Skillsets:
M.S. in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or Physics (Ph.D. preferred)Minimum of 10 years of relevant industry or research experienceDeep expertise in plasma-facing components (PFCs), neutron irradiation damage, or high-heat-flux materialsDemonstrated experience with material joining techniques for complex components (brazing, welding, diffusion bonding, spray coating)Demonstrated experience with SEM and mechanical testing techniques for metallics, ceramics, and compositesExperience analyzing material degradation in a high-radiation environment is highly desirableFamiliarity with HTS tape architectures or insulation materials for superconducting magnets is a plusFamiliarity with material modeling software and techniquesFamiliarity with relevant material testing standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME) is a plusExperience mentoring junior engineers and conducting design reviews.Ability to manage external vendor relationships and supply chain timelinesExperience owning systems or processesComfortable working to aggressive deadlinesExceptional work ethicAbility to execute and flourish in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environmentStrong team member with clear communication and collaboration skillsInnate desire to learn, innovate, and critique ideas including one’s ownCompany Benefits:
Salary range $135,000-$210,000Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)Employee equity stock options20 days PTO