About the role#
This is a full-time, paid internship for Fall 2026. You will work on-site in Kearny, New Jersey, supporting our magnet assembly and test engineering efforts. Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
What you'll do#
- Write and update manufacturing and test documentation, such as standard operating procedures, work instructions, and quality criteria for HTS magnet assembly and testing.
- Design, prototype, and commission custom tooling, fixtures, and equipment.
- Collaborate with magnet designers and engineers to integrate shop floor feedback into future designs.
- Maintain virtual and physical inventory, manage assembly areas, and update manufacturing Bills of Materials.
- Assist with hardware procurement by evaluating vendor specifications and verifying that incoming parts meet quality standards.
- Track production metrics and progress against program milestones.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Bachelor or Master degree program for Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- A solid grasp of engineering drawings and spatial mechanics.
- Practical, hands-on experience with mechanical or electrical hardware design, build, and test projects.
- Familiarity with test control hardware and software like LabView, Python, and National Instruments.
- Experience with fabrication or assembly methods including machining, soldering, or bonded assemblies.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in an industrial environment containing hazards like high voltage, cryogenics, and strong magnets.
Location & details#
- Location: Kearny, NJ (On-site)
- Term: Fall 2026
- Compensation: $21 - $25 per hour
About Thea Energy
Thea Energy develops fusion energy systems using arrays of magnets and software controls. The company focuses on commercial fusion as a source of zero-emission power. It was founded in 2022 as a spin-out from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Princeton University. The team is currently designing Eos, an integrated fusion system based on a planar coil stellarator architecture. The company is based in Kearny, New Jersey, and employs between 51 and 200 people.
How to get in at Thea Energy
Securing an internship at Thea Energy requires staying ahead of the crowd because roles in fusion technology attract significant interest. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, which helps you apply among the first. Getting your application in early ensures your materials are reviewed before the pile grows too large for recruiters to manage. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the specific recruiters behind these roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the team or a potential referral often improves your response rates compared to waiting for a system update. It is a practical way to show genuine interest in their stellarator research while the hiring process is still active.
