Physics Intern - Fall 2026

U.S. Fusion Energy; Illinois; On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Thea Energy is seeking a Physics Intern for Fall 2026 to work on stellarator research in Kearny, NJ. You will collaborate with physicists and engineers to run simulations, review literature, and translate results into design specifications.

Ideal candidates are pursuing undergraduate, masters, or PhD studies with interests in plasma modeling, diagnostics, and HPC, and will gain exposure to cross-functional teams and real-world fusion energy challenges.

Qualifications

• Candidates may be pursuing undergraduate, masters, or PhD degrees.
• Experience in at least one listed physics area is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a dedicated research project within core physics areas, guided by a senior physicist mentor.
• Conduct literature reviews to guide initial project specifications.
• Run simulations or analyze data to inform stellarator design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams of mechanical and electrical engineers.
• Support engineering design reviews by translating physics results into specifications.
• Use project management tools to track tasks and long-term research goals.
• Present findings and project outcomes to the technical team at internship end.

Skills

Plasma magnetohydrodynamic modeling

Stellarator coil optimization

Plasma diagnostics

Plasma gyrokinetic modeling

Plasma control

Energetic particle modeling

Plasma-fluid modeling

Neutral particle Monte Carlo

Neutron transport Monte Carlo

Scientific computing

High-performance computing

Nonlinear optimization

Machine learning

Data science

Git

Python

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate student in physics or related field

Tools

Git

Python

Job description

Physics Intern - Fall 2026

Kearny, NJ

Internships – Physics

Internship

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.

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.

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.