Senior Test Technician

Thea Energy•Kearny, NJ

About The Position

Thea Energy is seeking a highly skilled and self-motivated Senior Test Technician to support its hardware validation strategy. The role serves as a hands-on bridge between test plans and real-world execution, building, assembling, operating, and troubleshooting custom high-current, high-vacuum, and cryogenic test stands used to validate superconducting magnets and other critical fusion hardware. The technician works autonomously and closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure rigorous data collection, safety compliance, and continuous process improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 5 years of hands-on technical experience in shop fabrication, system assembly, hardware testing, or high-tech manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated experience building, operating, and troubleshooting at least two of the following: superconducting magnet or nuclear fusion systems; high-vacuum or ultra-high-pressure systems; cryogenic or fluid-handling systems; high-power electrical, control systems, or industrial wiring; electromechanical, automated, or PLC-driven equipment.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Skill with hand tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and basic shop machining equipment such as saws and manual mills.
Familiarity with software tools for basic documentation, logging, or reporting, such as Microsoft Office.
Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and work comfortably around high-voltage, high-field, and cryogenic environments.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a technical discipline.
Experience executing automated test routines using LabVIEW, Python interfaces, or PLCs/HMIs.
Familiarity with reflow soldering, PCBA manufacturing or repair, or micro-soldering.
Experience creating or improving test procedures, quality control standards, and non-conformance reporting.
Rigging, overhead crane, and forklift operation certifications or experience.
Strong communication skills and ability to work independently under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

Assemble, wire, plumb, and commission complex test articles, high-power test stands, cryogenic loops, and high-vacuum test equipment.
Operate multi-day test systems and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, cryogenic, thermal, and vacuum system failures alongside test engineers.
Support development of test procedures, measurement methods, and custom tooling to enable novel tests and maintain quality and data integrity.
Partner with test, magnet, manufacturing, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams to align test scope and requirements and ensure successful tests and results.
Enforce safety protocols in high-current, high-field, and cryogenic environments.
Maintain tool and workspace organization (5S) and ensure precision test equipment is calibrated and maintained.
Guide and mentor technicians and engineers in shop best practices, schematic reading, and safe testing procedures.