Senior Control System Engineer/Architect
About The Position
Thea Energy is seeking a Control Systems Engineer/Architect to design the control system for the Integrated Eos Stellarator. The role defines the overall control system architecture, selects core technologies and platforms, and manages technical interfaces among major control subsystems, including plasma control, power supply control, cryogenic control, safety systems, and data acquisition. As a senior technical specialist, the Control Systems Architect works with subsystem teams, vendors, and collaborators to ensure the architecture meets real-time performance, reliability, scalability, and regulatory requirements. The position helps shape the control infrastructure for a stellarator-based fusion pilot plant.
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 / 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 definition of the Eos control system architecture across functional, physical, and communication layers.
- Select core technologies for real-time control, SCADA, networking, timing, and data management.
- Develop high-level system specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and system block diagrams.
- Oversee integration and coordination of the Plasma Control System (PCS), Power Supply Control System (PSCS), plasma heating systems, cryogenic and vacuum control systems, Diagnostic Acquisition System (DAS), safety and interlock systems, and SCADA.
- Ensure consistency across communication protocols such as OPC UA, DDS, Modbus, and EPICS.
- Contribute to the 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 with the overall plant functional architecture and TRL maturity goals.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.
- Employee equity stock options.
- 20 days PTO.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
