Physics Intern - Fall 2026

Thea Energy; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Thea Energy in New Jersey is seeking motivated interns to collaborate with our physics team on stellarator optimization, plasma modeling, and data analysis. You will own a research project under a senior mentor.

Ideal candidates are undergrad, Masters, or PhD students with Python, HPC, and Git experience; familiarity with plasma physics topics is a plus. Compensation is $18-25/hr for undergraduates and $26-30/hr for post-graduates.

Qualifications

• Pursuing undergraduate, masters or PhD degree.
• Strong programming skills, preferably Python.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing concepts.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a dedicated research project guided by a senior mentor.
• Conduct literature reviews to guide project specifications.
• Run simulations or analyze data to inform design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineers and translate results into specs.
• Present findings to the technical team at project conclusion.

Education

Pursuing undergraduate/masters/PhD

Tools

Python

Git

HPC

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.

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.

• 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.