Manufacturing Engineer III

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 seasoned Manufacturing Engineer III to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will lead the development, validation, and scale-up of advanced manufacturing processes, complex tooling, and specialized equipment required to build and test high-temperature superconducting ("HTS") magnets. As a senior technical contributor, you will play a key role in establishing the frameworks for manufacturing development as we develop and prototype our stellarator systems.

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Lead the development and standardization of manufacturing documentation for HTS magnets, including complex assembly procedures, work instructions, and rigorous quality inspection criteria.
• Own the end-to-end design, procurement, build, and commissioning of custom magnet manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and automated assembly equipment.
• Serve as the primary manufacturing liaison to the Magnet Engineering team, driving design for manufacturability, process FMEAs, and iterative design improvements from prototype to production.
• Architect and manage manufacturing BOMs, routings, and inventory workflows within PLM and MRP systems to ensure seamless execution.
• Author technical specifications, evaluate supplier capabilities, and partner with key vendors to procure high-precision hardware and capital equipment.
• Define technician roles, establish training programs, and mentor junior engineers and technical staff.
• Track, report, and take ownership of manufacturing milestones, schedule adherence, and budget constraints across primary magnet initiatives.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 7+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience.
• Extensive experience building complex electro-mechanical assemblies and introducing first-of-a-kind hardware processes into full-scale production.
• Proven background in advanced joining and metal fusion processes, including high-precision soldering, brazing, electron beam, or TIG welding.
• Demonstrated success scaling low-volume development projects into continuous production environments utilizing PLM, MRP, and ERP software platforms.
• Deep expertise in drafting and interpreting engineering drawings with comprehensive Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience in magnetic confinement fusion, aerospace, medical devices, defense, or high-reliability advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Strong analytical capabilities, proactive leadership, and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50 lbs.

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.

115000 - 140000 USD a year