Physics Intern - Fall 2026

Thea Energy•Kearny, NJ

7d•Onsite

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. 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.

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.

Nice To Haves

Candidates may be pursuing undergraduate, masters, or PhD degrees.
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
Scientific computing
High-performance computing systems
Nonlinear constrained optimization
Machine learning
Data science
Git version control
Python programming language

Responsibilities

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.