Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular 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.

Thea Energy is seeking a dynamic and accomplished Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead and grow our manufacturing team to build high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets as well as other critical systems for our stellarator device. You will establish operational excellence and drive development of custom processes, equipment, and project workflows to enable rapid iteration and learning. You will guide the transition of novel planar coil designs from prototype R&D into high-yield production, in addition to owning team resourcing, capital project budgets, and facility commissioning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and grow a high-performing team of manufacturing engineers by developing talent, allocating resources, and planning out team growth and hiring.
• Define and execute the operational roadmap for manufacturing, especially for HTS magnets, including process development, facility layout, coil winding equipment and automation.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to establish seamless design for manufacturability and proactive preparation of.
• Oversee budgets, schedules, and engineering execution for major capital equipment programs, tooling, and commissioning.
• Direct the implementation and optimization of manufacturing enterprise system (MES) workflows, inventory control, and manufacturing BOM architectures.
• Lead high-level technical partnerships with critical suppliers, equipment builders, and machine integrators to guarantee quality, schedule, and cost targets.
• Develop and own department KPIs, operating budgets, and project timelines, as well as report progress, risks, and mitigations to executive leadership.
• Champion the deployment of Process and Quality Engineering standards, including standard work instructions, and root-cause corrective action (RCCA) protocols.

Experience & Skillsets:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering with 10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience, including 3+ years in a direct engineering management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated success recruiting, structuring, and leading technical engineering teams through aggressive hardware development and factory ramp-up milestones.
• Strong technical foundation in complex electro-mechanical hardware assembly, especially in continuous web handling, reel-to-reel automation, or precision coil winding in applications like lithium batteries, motors, or superconducting magnets.
• Experience with precision processes including soldering, welding, adhesive bonding and potting, automation equipment design, heavy structures and rigging, cryogenics, high voltage systems, and fragile electrical/magnetic materials.
• Deep familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma principles, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), MES components (PLM, ERP, MRP), and ISO9001 or similar quality systems.
• Track record of success in fusion energy, aerospace, superconducting systems, medical devices, robotics, or high-reliability advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Exceptional interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical hurdles into actionable operational strategies.
• Ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50 lbs.

Company Benefits:

• Salary Range: $160,000 – $190,000+
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

It's not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.

Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world's hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran's status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.