Control Systems Engineer, Advanced Controls and Integration

U.S. Fusion Energy; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Stock options

PTO 20 days

Job summary

Thea Energy seeks a Control Systems Engineer to design and integrate the control system for the Integrated Eos Stellarator. You will develop control logic, model-based analyses, and implementation packages supporting reliable operation across plant and machine systems.

This hands-on role bridges advanced control methods with practical plant deployment, with growth toward broader subsystem ownership as the program expands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Control Systems, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
• Two+ years of experience in control system development for complex industrial, energy, process, nuclear, aerospace, or scientific systems.
• Strong background in dynamic system modeling and control design; classical and modern methods.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Experience with Python or similar environments.
• Familiarity with PLCs, DCSs, HMIs, SCADA, or other industrial control environments.
• Ability to prepare and communicate technical documentation across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop control strategies, operating modes, and sequence logic for Eos subsystems.
• Prepare control logic diagrams, I/O architecture, and interface definitions.
• Build dynamic models of plant/subsystem behavior using MATLAB/Simulink/Python.
• Support tuning of classical and advanced control algorithms for thermal, fluid, electrical, and process systems.
• Coordinate with vendors to translate requirements into PLC, DCS, and HMI solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation including block diagrams, interfaces, validation plans, and test support packages.
• Contribute to integration of control functions across power, cryogenic, vacuum, and plant support systems.
• Assist verification, commissioning preparation, and design reviews during design phases.

Skills

Dynamic modeling

Control design

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering or physics

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

PLC/DCS/HMI/SCADA

Job description

Control Systems Engineer, Advanced Controls and Integration

Kearny, NJ

Technology – Electrical and Control Systems Engineering

Full-time

On-site

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.

Position Overview

Thea Energy is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to support the design and integration of the control system for the Integrated Eos Stellarator. This role will contribute to subsystem control definition, distributed control implementation, dynamic modeling, and advanced control development across plant and machine systems. The Control Systems Engineer will work closely with subsystem teams, vendors, and collaborators to develop control logic, interface definitions, model-based analyses, and implementation packages that support reliable and scalable operation of Eos.

This position is intended for a strong hands-on controls engineer who can bridge advanced control methods and practical plant implementation. The role is expected to grow with the program and may expand over time toward broader subsystem ownership or architecture responsibilities.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Develop control strategies, operating modes, control narratives, and sequence logic for assigned Eos subsystems.
• Support distributed control system design through preparation of control logic diagrams, I/O architecture, design-basis documentation, and subsystem interface definitions.
• Build and maintain dynamic models of plant and subsystem behavior using MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or similar tools to inform control design, operating setpoints, and transient analysis.
• Support design and tuning of classical and advanced control algorithms for thermal, fluid, electrical, and process systems.
• Coordinate with internal subsystem owners and external vendors to translate design requirements into implementable PLC, DCS, HMI, and supervisory control solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation including block diagrams, interface descriptions, validation plans, control philosophies, and test support packages.
• Contribute to integration of control functions across power supply systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, utilities, plant support systems, and future plasma-related control interfaces.
• Support verification, commissioning preparation, issue resolution, and design reviews during conceptual and preliminary design phases.

Required Qualifications

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Control Systems, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Two or more years of experience in control system development for complex industrial, energy, process, nuclear, aerospace, or scientific systems.
• Strong background in dynamic system modeling and control design, including classical and modern control methods.
• Strong proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Experience with Python or other technical programming environments.
• Familiarity with PLCs, DCSs, HMIs, SCADA, or other industrial control environments.
• Ability to prepare and communicate technical documentation clearly across cross-functional engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in a multidisciplinary organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with first-of-a-kind energy systems, advanced reactors, fusion systems, or other high-reliability engineered systems.
• Experience with vendor coordination and implementation oversight for control logic or subsystem controls.
• Experience with MIMO control, optimization-based control, robust control, estimation, or data-driven control methods.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git, and configuration-managed engineering workflows.
• Experience with thermal-hydraulic, power system, or process system dynamic modeling.
• Exposure to safety-related control functions, interlocks, or regulated plant environments.

Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call.
• 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.

Company Benefits

• Salary range $120,000-$160,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

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.