Senior Test Technician
About the role
About Thea Energy:
Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. We are reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils to replace the complex 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. We foster an innovative, collaborative, and resilient environment where every team member plays a critical role in our success.
Position Overview:
Thea Energy is seeking a highly skilled and self-motivated Senior Test Technician to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will be a cornerstone of our hardware validation strategy, serving as the hands-on bridge between test plans and real-world execution. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will build, assemble, operate, and troubleshoot custom high-current, high-vacuum, and cryogenic test stands to validate our superconducting magnets and other critical fusion hardware. You will work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure rigorous data collection, safety compliance, and continuous process improvement in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibility Areas:
• Operate multi-day test systems and perform real-time, hands-on troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, cryogenic, thermal, and vacuum system failure modes alongside test engineers.
• Support rapid development of new procedures, measurement methods, and custom tooling for novel tests and enabling exceptional quality and data integrity.
• Partner closely with test, magnet, manufacturing, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams to align test scope and requirements, as well as guarantee successful tests and results.
• Enforce rigorous 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.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
• 5+ years of hands-on technical experience in shop fabrication, system assembly, hardware testing, or high-tech manufacturing environments (e.g., fusion, aerospace, superconducting magnets, or heavy industry).
• Demonstrated experience building, operating, and troubleshooting at least two of the following:
o Testing of superconducting magnet or nuclear fusion systems
o High vacuum or ultra-high pressure systems
o Cryogenic or fluid handling systems
o High-power electrical, control systems, or industrial wiring
o 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 (e.g., saws, manual mills).
• Familiarity with software tools for basic documentation, logging, or reporting (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs and work comfortably around high-voltage, high-field, and cryogenic environments.
Ideal Experience & Skillsets:
• Experience executing automated test routines utilizing LabVIEW, Python interfaces, or PLCs/HMIs.
• Familiarity with reflow soldering, PCBA manufacturing/repair, or micro-soldering.
• Experience with creating or improving test procedures quality control standards, and non-conformance reporting.
• Rigging, overhead crane, and forklift operation certifications or experience.
• Strong communication skills with an ability to work independently under tight deadlines.
Company Benefits:
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO