Director - Systems Engineering

Thea Energy•Kearny, NJ

2d•$135,000 - $250,000

About The Position

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 Director - Systems Engineering who will be responsible for the systems engineering of the company’s integrated fusion systems and prototypes. In this role, you will lead an interdisciplinary team to integrate first-of-a-kind technologies into a scalable fusion power plant architecture. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all applicable Company engineering disciplines are integrated across workflows, requirements, interfaces, and standards. You will lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of systems engineers, and foster a collaborative and innovative work environment capable of solving the complexities of fusion energy. The ideal candidate is a high-autonomy leader who can move quickly to scale a leading team and implement the rigorous systems engineering frameworks required to commercialize fusion energy at scale. You will serve as a mentor, a strategist, and the primary advocate for systems-level thinking across the entire organization.

Requirements

First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) Experience: Proven experience integrating large-scale, complex R&D projects (e.g., aerospace, particle accelerators, nuclear, or advanced manufacturing).
Technical Breadth: Deep familiarity with mechanical, electrical, fluid, and control systems. Experience with Siemens NX or similar PLM/CAD tools is essential.
Proven Management Track Record: 8+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years in a formal people-leadership role (lead, manager, director, or VP).
Strategic Mindset: Can see the "big picture" of the fusion pilot plant while ensuring the team executes on the smallest interface details.
Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, "many hats" startup environment where priorities can shift rapidly.
Collaboration: A team player who views the success of the physics and manufacturing teams as their own success.
Communication Excellence: Ability to translate complex technical trade-offs into actionable insights for executive leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
Interpersonal Skills: A "servant leader" mindset with a track record of helping others succeed and navigating complex team dynamics.
Safety Mindset: Prioritization of safety and reliability in high-energy or hazardous environments.
Education: Bachelor’s degree or greater in a relevant engineering field.
Occasional travel and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs in a lab/industrial setting.

Responsibilities

Manage technical baselines including requirements, interfaces, configurations, KPIs, data management, standards, protocols & procedures, and verification & validation processes.
Establish and manage processes and tools across the product development and operational lifecycle.
Efficiently and systematically convert functional requirements into a scalable system architecture and execution strategy.
Ensure seamless integration between the physics, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and test/ops teams.
Work with leadership and program management to develop and manage protocols for making and tracking key decisions and change control management, ensuring transparency and accountability across the company.
Ensure the efficient and systematic conversion of functional requirements into a scalable system architecture and execution strategy.
Own architecture PBS and WBS.
Build a high-performance systems engineering team.
Identify skill gaps and strategically grow the department to meet program milestones.
Actively coach and mentor junior and senior engineers.
Create professional growth plans and foster a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
Develop the internal framework for the systems engineering group, defining roles, responsibilities, and ensure maximum efficiency and transparency across the organization.
Set clear KPIs for the team, conduct regular performance reviews, and manage resource allocation across various technical workstreams.
Promote a collaborative, "fail fast, learn faster" environment while maintaining a relentless focus on safety and rigorous engineering standards.
Coordinate with suppliers, vendors, and internal manufacturing engineering teams.
Coordinate design reviews and program management functions.