Director - Nuclear Engineering

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 hiring for a Director - Nuclear Engineering to lead our nuclear engineering team. This role will orchestrate the nuclear design and safety parameters essential to our first-of-a-kind integrated fusion system. You will be responsible for effectively leading and managing the day-to-day nuclear engineering program. Your efforts will directly contribute to the organization's success by ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient nuclear designs. Thea Energy’s dynamic team is made up of self-motivated individuals with an excitement for solving complex problems.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Lead and grow a world-class team of nuclear engineers working on the cutting edge of commercial fusion power technology
• Direct the nuclear design of fusion systems, including blanket, shield, bioshield, and fuel cycle
• Manage the nuclear aspects of the system facility, including tracking and engineering the cascade of high-energy particles, managing activation products, and calculating dose rates
• Interface all aspects of safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental standards for the fusion device and facility
• Build organizational capabilities by recruiting and retaining talent, mentoring, and fostering professional growth
• Proactively collaborate and communicate with engineering system owners to prioritize and align development and execution with design schedules
• Be accountable for the quality and accuracy of the team's nuclear engineering work, reports, and presentations

Ideal Experience & Skillsets

• MS or PhD in nuclear engineering
• 15+ years of work experience in nuclear engineering or a similar technical field
• Proven leadership experience in cutting-edge nuclear projects, such as fission reactor projects (e.g. small modular reactors, molten salt reactors, fast reactors, Gen-IV reactors) or accelerator projects
• Demonstrated experience thriving in a startup environment, with a track record of successfully building and managing teams
• Strong analytical skills and an understanding of the first principles of engineering
• A proven ability to motivate and catalyze teams into action through influence and strong leadership
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex business needs into technical solutions

Company Benefits

• Salary range: $160,000–$230,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO