Senior HTS Magnet Cryogenics Engineer

About the role

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.

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

Qualifications

Required:

• 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)

Preferred:

• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO