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Thea Energy is commercializing fusion energy through stellarator physics breakthroughs, using computer-controlled planar coil arrays to replace complex modular magnets. The company is building next-generation fusion systems with a focus on zero-emission energy production.
You will lead the thermal and cryogenic design of High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet systems and associated test facilities, bridging HTS coil performance, complex cryogenic cooling circuits, and thermal isolation to deliver reliable high-field magnet systems.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design, model, and integrate cryogenic cooling systems (conduction-cooled, cryo-fluid loops, or liquid helium/nitrogen systems) for HTS magnet assemblies
- Perform thermal, fluid, and structural FEA modeling using ANSYS, COMSOL, or similar tools to optimize temperature profiles, cooling margins, and quench behavior
- Select, specify, and procure cryogenic hardware including cryocoolers, thermal straps, current leads, vacuum vessels, and instrumentation
- Lead cryogenic testing, commissioning, and validation of HTS magnet prototypes from 20K up to 77K environments
- Troubleshoot thermal leaks, vacuum degradation, and cryogenic system integration issues during test campaigns
- Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with magnet designers, electrical engineers, and manufacturing teams
Required Qualifications:
- 8+ years of dedicated professional experience in cryogenic engineering, specifically applied to superconducting magnet systems (HTS preferred; LTS with strong HTS understanding is considered)
- Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, or related field (Ph.D. preferred)
- Deep expertise in vacuum technology and low-temperature material properties
- Proven experience cooling superconducting magnets in MRI, accelerators, or fusion systems
- Proven experience with cryogenic refrigeration systems (Gifford-McMahon, Pulse Tube, Stirling cryocoolers, or large cryoplants)
- Proficiency in thermal simulation software (ANSYS, COMSOL, Thermal Desktop) and CAD systems (SolidWorks or NX)
- Practical laboratory experience with cryogens (LN₂, LHe), vacuum leak detection, and sensor integration (cernox, thermocouples)
Preferred qualifications include experience with HTS tape technologies (2G REBCO), quench protection thermal modeling, high-current thermal leads (binary or HTS lead assemblies), and background building cryogenic test facilities for fusion energy, MRI/NMR systems, high-energy physics, or aerospace HTS applications.
