VP - Plant Design Engineering

Number of employees

84

Kearny, NJ

Posted on: 2026-11-11

Category: energy

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Employment type:

Full time

Experience required:

Director

Salary

Salary not provided

About the company:

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.  
 

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:

  • Work with the Architect/Engineering and Constructor firms that will deliver the overall plant design, Balance of Plant system and component designs for Thea Energy programs.
  • Build and lead the Project Engineering team responsible for delivering Issued for Bid and Issued for Construction packages input and review.
  • Establish and implement Thea Energy’s independent review program for accepting Vendor design inputs.
  • Ensure compliance with local and state regulations and laws, while ensuring permits are obtained in time to support construction work.
  • Establish and administer a performance tracking system that provides oversight of the Constructor and Architect Engineer efforts (cost and schedule).
  • Evaluate Constructor plans and schedule to avoid scope creep.
  • Develop and deliver an effective configuration control program for the Plant design.  
  • Oversee the Site Safety program to ensure uniform implementation and that reporting lines are clear.
  • Provide Thea Energy oversight during Construction activities, through an appropriately staffed team.
  • Provide cost estimating inputs for Plant design, procurement, installation, and commissioning work.
  • Oversee startup and commissioning activities.
  • Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

  • BS/Mechanical Engineering or advanced degree in engineering or business fields, or closely related fields.
  • 8+ years of experience in construction, with design and installation history included.  
  • Previous experience in a fusion related work environment is preferred but not mandatory.
  • Relevant certifications or credentials in professional engineering.
  • Direct experience within a regulated environment
  • Skilled in understanding the best methods for communicating changes in the field while maintaining configuration control
  • Familiar with construction techniques and progression on large, complex facilities
  •  
    Preferred Skills:
  • Experience standing up or significantly expanding a program, particularly in a fast-paced, resource-constrained, or startup environment.
  • Effective communication style that can bridge between the different regulators, construction crafts, and management team.
  • 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
  • Company Benefits:

  • Salary range $240,000-$300,000
  • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
  • Employee equity stock options
  • 20 days PTO
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