The Role
Performs advanced finite element analysis and coupled multiphysics simulations for stellarator systems, including thermal, structural, vibration, and magnetic loading. Develops system-level models, evaluates stress, fatigue, creep, and transient conditions, optimizes designs, and improves material models. Establishes FEA methodology, supports high-risk engineering decisions, mentors junior analysts, conducts peer reviews, and serves as a subject matter expert on weld evaluations and cryogenic material behavior.
Summary Generated by Built In
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 a highly motivated and experienced Senior Finite Element Analyst to join our rapidly growing team. In this pivotal role, you'll be instrumental in performing advanced analysis to design, optimize, and verify the thermal, structural, and magnetic requirements of our cutting-edge stellarator systems. If you have at least 8 years of professional experience and a strong background in mechanical engineering, applied mechanics, materials, and simulation, you'll be well-positioned to deliver insightful results, provide data-driven recommendations, and justify critical design decisions.
Key Responsibility Areas:
- Sets strategic FEA methodology and architecture across primary stellarator systems, leads first-of-its-kind problem-solving initiatives, mentors team members, and serves as the primary authority on high-risk engineering decisions.
- Develop and Analyze Complex FE Models: Create and oversee system-level architectural models and highly coupled multi-physics simulations to support the design of major stellarator systems and prototyping activities.
- Perform Multi-Domain Simulations: Be responsible for multi-domain models, including thermal, mechanical, vibration, and magnetic loads.
Ideal Experience & Skillsets:
- Extensive FEA Experience: 8+ years of experience performing Finite Element Analysis with commercial software. Experience in scripting and building tools around commercial FEA tools
- Complex Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to solve complex engineering problems and identify root causes through meticulous analysis.
- First-of-its-Kind Development: Proven experience developing first-of-its-kind components or systems.
- Provides technical guidance and peer-review for junior analysts (Eng I/II/III) to ensure model accuracy and best practices.
- Conduct In-Depth Performance Evaluation: Execute steady-state and transient analyses with accurate material models to evaluate designs for stress/strain, fatigue, and creep during start-up, steady-state operation, shutdown, and off-nominal operating conditions.
- Optimize Structural Designs: Utilize various techniques to optimize structures for optimal performance under all loading conditions, minimizing weight, and maximizing maintainability.
- Drive Design Improvements: Actively participate in the design process, identifying opportunities for improvements that lead to higher-performing, lower-cost, and more maintainable systems.
- Material Modeling: Develop material models and identify required property development to ensure accurate analysis.
Specialized Materials Knowledge: Serves as the internal Subject Matter Expert (SME) on complex weld evaluations and cryogenic material behavior. - Adaptability & Drive: Comfortable working to ambitious timelines with an exceptional work ethic, adaptability, and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Collaboration & Communication: A strong team player with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Continuous Improvement Mindset: An innate desire to learn, innovate, and critically evaluate ideas, including your own.
Company Benefits
- Salary range $130,000 - $160,000
- Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
- Employee equity stock options
- 20 days PTO
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.
Skills Required
- At least 8 years of professional experience
- Strong background in mechanical engineering
- Experience in applied mechanics, materials, and simulation
- 8 or more years of Finite Element Analysis experience
- Experience using commercial FEA software
- Experience scripting and building tools around commercial FEA tools
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex engineering problems and identify root causes
- Experience developing first-of-its-kind components or systems
- Experience with thermal, mechanical, vibration, and magnetic load simulations
- Experience with steady-state and transient analyses
- Experience evaluating stress, strain, fatigue, and creep
- Experience developing accurate material models
- Knowledge of complex weld evaluations and cryogenic material behavior
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
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The Company
What We Do
Thea Energy is a fusion energy company dedicated to creating a limitless source of zero-emission energy for a sustainable future. By reinventing the stellarator using arrays of mass-manufacturable magnets and dynamic software controls, they aim to commercialize scalable and economical fusion power systems, transitioning from scientific research to practical, commercial operations.
