Senior Test Technician

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAbout 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: • 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 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: • High school diploma or equivalent (Associate degree in a technical discipline preferred). • 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: • Base Pay: $32.00 – $55.00+ per hour (Non-Exempt / OT Eligible) • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. 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. Diversity and Inclusion: 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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.