Physics Intern - Fall 2026

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. 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.

The Thea Energy physics team performs cutting-edge research in the areas of stellarator optimization, toroidal plasma confinement, plasma divertor and edge physics, plasma-materials interactions, and fusion neutronics. Thea Energy is looking for motivated interns to work with Thea physicists on projects relevant to these topic areas.

• Take ownership of a dedicated research project within one of our core physics areas, guided by a senior physicist mentor.

• Conduct literature reviews to guide initial project specifications.

• Run simulations or analyze data to inform Thea Energy's stellarator design.

• Collaborate directly with cross-functional teams of mechanical and electrical engineers.

• Support engineering design reviews by translating physics modeling and simulation results into specifications.

• Utilize project management tools to track tasks and long-term research goals.

• Present your findings and project outcomes to the broader technical team at the conclusion of the internship.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

Candidates may be pursuing undergraduate, masters, or PhD degrees.

Ideal candidates would have experience in at least one of the following physics areas:

• Plasma magnetohydrodynamic modeling

• Plasma gyrokinetic modeling

• Stellarator equilibrium and coil optimization

• Plasma control

• Energetic particle modeling

• Plasma fluid modeling

• Neutral particle Monte Carlo simulation

• Plasma diagnostics

• Plasma-material interaction

• Neutron transport Monte Carlo simulation

Additionally, experience in the following technical areas are a plus:

• Scientific computing

• High-performance computing systems

• Nonlinear constrained optimization

• Machine learning

• Data science

• Git version control

• Python programming language

Company Benefits:

Compensation: $18-25/hr Undergraduate and $26-30/hr Post-graduate

Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.

• Ability to work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.