Senior Test Technician

Thea Energy•Kearny, NJ

10d•$32 - $55

About The Position

Thea Energy is seeking a highly skilled and self-motivated Senior Test Technician to support its hardware validation strategy. The technician will build, assemble, operate, and troubleshoot custom high-current, high-vacuum, and cryogenic test stands used to validate superconducting magnets and other fusion hardware. The role works with a high degree of autonomy and partners with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure rigorous data collection, safety compliance, and continuous process improvement.

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 system testing; 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 lbs 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 failure modes alongside test engineers.
Support development of test procedures, measurement methods, and custom tooling for novel tests, ensuring quality and data integrity.
Partner with test, magnet, manufacturing, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams to align test scope and requirements and help ensure successful tests and results.
Enforce safety protocols in high-current, high-field, and cryogenic environments.
Maintain tool and workspace organization using 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.