Senior Control Systems Engineer

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 Senior Control Systems Engineer to work on the design of the control system for the company’s Eos integrated stellarator. This role will define the overall control system architecture, select core technologies, design platforms, and manage technical interfaces between all major control subsystems including plasma control, power supply control, cryogenic control, safety systems, and data acquisition.

As a senior technical engineer, this role will work closely with subsystem teams, vendors, and collaborators to ensure that the architecture meets real-time performance, reliability, scalability, and regulatory requirements. This role is pivotal in shaping the next-generation control infrastructure for one of the most innovative stellarator-based fusion pilot plants in development.

As part of a rapidly growing team, you’ll be part of the organizational build-up of a leading fusion energy company. This role will have a high degree of autonomy and must be able to move quickly. The Thea Energy team is comprised of self-motivated, creative, and fun individuals with an excitement for solving complex problems.

Key Responsibility Areas::
• Lead the definition of the Eos control system architecture (functional, physical, and communication layers).
• Select core technologies for real-time control, SCADA, networking, timing, and data management.
• Develop high-level system specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and system block diagrams.
• Oversee integration and coordination of control subsystems.
• Ensure consistency across communication protocols (e.g. OPC UA, DDS, Modbus, EPICS).
• Contribute to the selection of PLC/DCS platforms for safety- and mission-critical systems.
• Work with the AI/ML and Plasma Control teams to integrate predictive control and digital twin functionality into the architecture.
• Support development of conceptual and preliminary design packages, including architecture reviews and validation plans.
• Collaborate with systems engineering to ensure alignment with the overall plant functional architecture and TRL maturity goals.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets::
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in control system design for fusion energy, particle accelerators, large scientific facilities, or similar high-reliability environments.
• Strong proficiency with EPICS or TANGO control frameworks, Simulink and MATLAB for system modeling and simulation, SysML/UML for system-level architecture and documentation, and OPC UA, DDS, TCP/IP, PTP/White Rabbit communication protocols.
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition, real-time systems, and distributed control.
• Knowledge of IEC 61508 / 61511 or other safety-related standards.
• Familiarity with PLC platforms (e.g. Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley).
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and managing technical vendors.
• Hands-on experience with FPGA or embedded systems is a plus.
• Previous experience in early-phase fusion device development is highly desirable.

Company Benefits::
• Salary range $95,000-$160,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

Requirements::
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call.
• Ability to work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.

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.