Facilities & Maintenance Technician

Thea Energy, Inc.; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Employee equity stock options

20 days PTO

Job summary

Thea Energy, Inc. in Kearny, New Jersey, is looking for a Facilities & Maintenance Technician dedicated to maintaining their physical infrastructure. The role requires 3+ years of experience in facilities maintenance and proficiency in building systems, including HVAC.

Successful candidates will enjoy a competitive salary of $26 to $34 per hour, comprehensive health benefits, and employee equity options. The position demands a proactive attitude and a commitment to safety and compliance in a dynamic, innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in commercial facilities maintenance, ideally in a laboratory or high-tech environment.
• Ability to read technical schematics and construction drawings.
• Experience with cryogenic fluid and high vacuum systems is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine repairs including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and painting.
• Monitor building automation systems and perform maintenance on HVAC units.
• Assist in the assembly of lab benches and installation of equipment utilities.

Skills

Facilities maintenance experience

Technical proficiency in building systems

Communication skills

Ability to prioritize tasks

Education

High school diploma or GED

Trade school certification (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing)

Tools

Power tools

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

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:

The Facilities & Maintenance Technician is a critical role responsible for the upkeep, repair, and general maintenance of our physical infrastructure. You will support our engineering and research teams by ensuring a safe, organized, and fully functional work environment. As a non-exempt employee, this role is eligible for overtime and requires a reliable, "can-do" attitude.

Key Responsibility Areas:

• General Maintenance: Perform routine repairs including plumbing, basic electrical (lighting, switches), carpentry, and painting.
• HVAC & Systems: Monitor building automation systems and perform basic preventative maintenance on HVAC units and air filtration systems.
• Laboratory Support: Assist in the assembly of lab benches, installation of equipment utilities (compressed air, cooling water lines), and minor structural modifications.
• Vendor Coordination: Escort and supervise external contractors (e.g., janitorial, landscaping, specialized MEP) to ensure work is completed safely and correctly.
• Safety & Compliance: Conduct weekly safety walkthroughs, maintain fire extinguishers/eyewash stations, and ensure compliance with OSHA and local building codes. Support chemical management process with compliant chemical storage and disposal efforts.
• Inventory Management: Track and order maintenance supplies, tools, and hardware to ensure zero downtime for facility needs.
• Emergency Response: Serve as a point of contact for facility-related emergencies during and occasionally after standard business hours.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in commercial facilities maintenance, preferably within a laboratory, manufacturing, or high-tech environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of building systems (MEP), power tools, and diagnostic equipment. Ability to read technical schematics and construction drawings.
• Experience with cryogenic fluid and high vacuum systems is a bonus.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and remain on your feet for extended periods.
• Certifications: High school diploma or GED required. Trade school certification or a specific license (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing) is a major plus. Forklift and scissor lift operation will be required, previous certifications are desired.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment.

Company Benefits:

• Salary range $26/hour - $34/hour
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

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.

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.