Materials Scientist

Thea Energy•Kearny, NJ

2d•$135,000 - $210,000

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. Thea Energy is looking for an experienced, highly motivated materials scientist to join its rapidly growing team. You will have ownership over the identification, selection, and development of materials and coatings throughout the stellarator. You will be part of a team evaluating materials for various environments and eventual selection and specification of materials for production. You will be responsible for developing and maturing various material processes including joining and coatings. You will work with industry and research partners to develop the next generation of materials and coatings for use in fusion systems. The Thea Energy team is comprised of driven and creative individuals passionate about solving complex problems.

Requirements

M.S. in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or Physics (Ph.D. preferred)
Minimum of 10 years of relevant industry or research experience
Deep expertise in plasma-facing components (PFCs), neutron irradiation damage, or high-heat-flux materials
Demonstrated experience with material joining techniques for complex components (brazing, welding, diffusion bonding, spray coating)
Demonstrated experience with SEM and mechanical testing techniques for metallics, ceramics, and composites
Experience analyzing material degradation in a high-radiation environment is highly desirable
Familiarity with HTS tape architectures or insulation materials for superconducting magnets is a plus
Familiarity with material modeling software and techniques
Familiarity with relevant material testing standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME) is a plus
Experience mentoring junior engineers and conducting design reviews.
Ability to manage external vendor relationships and supply chain timelines
Experience owning systems or processes
Comfortable working to aggressive deadlines
Exceptional work ethic
Ability to execute and flourish in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
Strong team member with clear communication and collaboration skills
Innate desire to learn, innovate, and critique ideas including oneâs own

Responsibilities

Have ownership of the selection and development of near-term and long-term materials compatible with the fusion environment
Work with engineers and researchers to explore novel materials, material joining methods, including process validation, and inspection techniques
Work with industry partners on developing materials at a scale sufficient to meet the production deadlines
Investigate the effects of the fusion environment on components to estimate lifetime, failure modes, inspection interval, and repair/replacement options
Work with industry partners to develop plasma facing coatings and novel material systems
Track and report results and progress against program goals and milestones
Communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders