Physics Intern - Spring/Summer 2027

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.

The Thea Energy physics team performs cutting-edge research in the areas of stellarator optimization, toroidal plasma confinement, plasma divertor and edge physics, plasma-materials interactions, and fusion neutronics. Thea Energy is looking for motivated interns to work with Thea physicists on projects relevant to these topic areas. 

• Take ownership of a dedicated research project within one of our core physics areas, guided by a senior physicist mentor.
• Conduct literature reviews to guide initial project specifications.
• Run simulations or analyze data to inform Thea Energy's stellarator design.
• Collaborate directly with cross-functional teams of mechanical and electrical engineers.
• Support engineering design reviews by translating physics modeling and simulation results into specifications.
• Utilize project management tools to track tasks and long-term research goals.
• Present your findings and project outcomes to the broader technical team at the conclusion of the internship.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

Candidates may be pursuing undergraduate, masters, or PhD degrees. Ideal candidates would have experience in at least one of the following physics areas:

Plasma magnetohydrodynamic modeling

Plasma gyrokinetic modeling

Stellarator equilibrium and coil optimization

Plasma control

Energetic particle modeling 

Plasma fluid modeling

Neutral particle Monte Carlo simulation

Plasma diagnostics

Plasma-material interaction

Neutron transport Monte Carlo simulation 

Additionally, experience in the following technical areas are a plus:

Scientific computing

High-performance computing systems

Nonlinear constrained optimization

Machine learning

Data science

Git version control

Python programming language

Company Benefits:

Compensation: $18-25/hr Undergraduate and $26-30/hr Post-graduate

Requirements:

Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.

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.