The Role
Leads thermal and cryogenic design for high-temperature superconducting magnet systems and test facilities. Responsibilities include modeling cooling systems, thermal and structural FEA, specifying cryogenic hardware, conducting prototype testing from 20K to 77K, troubleshooting vacuum and thermal issues, and mentoring engineers. The role requires deep expertise in cryogenic engineering, vacuum systems, low-temperature materials, superconducting magnet cooling, cryocoolers, thermal simulation, CAD, cryogen handling, and sensor integration.
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:
We are seeking an experienced Senior HTS Magnet Cryogenics Engineer with at least 8 years of hands-on expertise to lead the thermal and cryogenic design of next-generation High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet systems and associated test facilities. You will bridge the gap between HTS coil performance, complex cryogenic cooling circuits, and thermal isolation to deliver reliable high-field magnet systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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 (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) 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 directly 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 a related field (Ph.D. preferred).
- Deep expertise in vacuum technology, and low-temperature material properties.
- Proven experience in cooling superconducting magnets – MRI, accelerators or fusion systems
- Proven experience with cryogenic refrigeration systems (Gifford-McMahon, Pulse Tube, or Stirling cryocoolers or large cryoplants).
- Proficiency in thermal simulation software (ANSYS, COMSOL, or Thermal Desktop) and CAD systems (SolidWorks or NX).
- Practical laboratory experience with cryogens (LN_2, LHe), vacuum leak detection, and sensor integration (cernox, thermocouples).
Experience:
Education:
Technical Skills:
#LI-RD1
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with HTS tape technologies (2G REBCO) and quench protection thermal modeling.
- Hands-on design of high-current thermal leads (binary or HTS lead assemblies).
- Background in building cryogenic test facilities for fusion energy, MRI/NMR systems, high-energy physics, or aerospace HTS applications.
Company Benefits:
- 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
- 8+ years of professional experience in cryogenic engineering applied to superconducting magnet systems
- Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, or a related field
- Deep expertise in vacuum technology and low-temperature material properties
- Experience cooling superconducting magnets for MRI, accelerators, or fusion systems
- Experience with cryogenic refrigeration systems, including Gifford-McMahon, pulse tube, Stirling cryocoolers, or large cryoplants
- Proficiency with thermal simulation software such as ANSYS, COMSOL, or Thermal Desktop
- Proficiency with CAD systems such as SolidWorks or NX
- Practical laboratory experience with liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, vacuum leak detection, and sensor integration
- Ph.D. in a related field
- Experience with 2G REBCO HTS tape technologies and quench protection thermal modeling
- Hands-on design of high-current thermal leads, including binary or HTS lead assemblies
- Experience building cryogenic test facilities for fusion, MRI/NMR, high-energy physics, or aerospace HTS applications
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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.
