Senior Electrical Distribution 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 Electrical Distribution Systems to lead the design, specification, and integration of the power supplies, power distribution network, grid interface, STATCOM, and energy storage systems for the company’s Eos integrated stellarator. This role combines high-voltage substation and distribution infrastructure design with simulation-driven development of plant-wide energy management strategies.

This role will be responsible for defining and validating the full electrical infrastructure, ranging from the high/medium-voltage power supply systems, power generation units, HV/MV utility interconnection, and substation architecture to backup generators and BESS platforms. You will interface with external EPC and utility partners, while driving internal technical requirements, simulations, and review processes across the design, procurement, and commissioning lifecycle.

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 design of the Eos power distribution architecture, including power supply systems, medium and high-voltage distribution, MV switchgear, LV panelboards, and critical backup circuits.
• Define grounding, neutral earthing, surge protection, and lightning protection strategies for plant-wide electrical infrastructure.
• Evaluate integration of grid interconnection, backup generators, STATCOM, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for load balancing, UPS capability, and magnet power recovery.
• Run detailed load flow, short-circuit, and transient stability simulations using tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, or PSCAD.
• Model time-varying load profiles for power supply systems and estimate steady-state vs. transient energy demands.
• Contribute to the plant’s overall power management strategy, load shedding philosophy, and power quality targets.
• Develop technical specifications, single-line diagrams, protection philosophies, and equipment layouts.
• Lead development of technical requirements for external EPC firms responsible for final design, construction, and commissioning.
• Participate in design reviews, FAT/SAT, vendor interface, and field verification of electrical systems.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets::
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in power systems engineering, including substation design, grid integration, or industrial distribution infrastructure.
• Experience with medium- and high-voltage distribution (up to 230 kV preferred), transformer selection, protective relaying, and electrical safety.
• Proficiency in electrical system modeling and simulation tools, such as ETAP, PowerFactory, SKM Power Tools, or PSCAD
• Strong understanding of IEEE, NFPA, IEC standards, grounding calculations, and utility interconnection requirements.
• Experience in power systems for fusion devices or accelerators.
• Familiarity with BESS systems, UPS, and energy management systems (EMS).
• Experience coordinating with utility providers, EPC contractors, and third-party interconnection consultants.
• Understanding of power supply dynamic behavior (e.g. magnet loads, pulsed systems) and interaction with grid stability.
• Knowledge of SCADA/EMS integration, protective device coordination, and commissioning procedures.
• Simulation & Analysis: ETAP, PowerFactory, PSCAD, SKM, CYME.
• CAD & Design Tools: AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, Revit MEP.
• Exceptional work ethic and communication skills.

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.