Senior Control System Engineer/Architect

Thea Energy•Kearny, NJ

About The Position

Thea Energy is seeking a Control Systems Engineer/Architect to design the control system for the Integrated Eos Stellarator. The role will define the overall control system architecture, select core technologies and platforms, and manage technical interfaces among major control subsystems, including plasma control, power supply control, cryogenic control, safety systems, and data acquisition. The architect will work with subsystem teams, vendors, and collaborators to ensure the architecture meets real-time performance, reliability, scalability, and regulatory requirements. The position will help shape the control infrastructure for a stellarator-based fusion pilot plant. Thea Energy is developing a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy by using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils in place of the intricate modular magnets used in other stellarator architectures. The company’s mission is to create a limitless source of zero-emission energy for a sustainable future.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Physics, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in control system design for fusion energy, particle accelerators, large scientific facilities, or similar high-reliability environments.
Proven experience with integrated control system design for facilities such as ITER, NIF, SPARC, W7-X, or similar.
Strong proficiency with EPICS or TANGO control frameworks.
Strong proficiency with Simulink and MATLAB for system modeling and simulation.
Strong proficiency with SysML/UML for system-level architecture and documentation.
Strong proficiency with OPC UA, DDS, TCP/IP, and PTP/White Rabbit communication protocols.
Experience with high-speed data acquisition, real-time systems, and distributed control.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods.
Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights, weekends, or on-call.
Ability to work in a facility containing industrial hazards, including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of IEC 61508, IEC 61511, or other safety-related standards.
Familiarity with PLC platforms such as Siemens, Beckhoff, or Allen-Bradley.
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and managing technical vendors.
Hands-on experience with FPGA or embedded systems.
Previous experience in early-phase fusion device development.

Responsibilities

Lead the definition of the Eos control system’s functional, physical, and communication-layer architecture.
Select core technologies for real-time control, SCADA, networking, timing, and data management.
Develop high-level system specifications, interface control documents, and system block diagrams.
Oversee integration and coordination of the Plasma Control System, Power Supply Control System, plasma heating systems, cryogenic and vacuum control systems, Diagnostic Acquisition System, safety and interlock systems, and SCADA.
Ensure consistency across communication protocols, including OPC UA, DDS, Modbus, and EPICS.
Contribute to selection of PLC/DCS platforms for safety- and mission-critical systems.
Work with AI/ML and Plasma Control teams to integrate predictive control and digital-twin functionality into the architecture.
Support conceptual and preliminary design packages, including architecture reviews and validation plans.
Collaborate with systems engineering to align the control architecture with the overall plant functional architecture and TRL maturity goals.