Physics Intern - Fall 2026

Fusion Energy Base; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compensation: $18-25/hr Undergraduate

Compensation: $26-30/hr Post-graduate

Job summary

Thea Energy in Kearny, NJ invites motivated students to join as a Physics Intern for Fall 2026. You will work under a senior physicist mentor on a dedicated project in stellarator optimization, data analysis, and simulations to advance fusion engineering.

The internship emphasizes practical lab work and cross-functional collaboration with mechanical and electrical engineers. Ideal candidates are pursuing undergraduate, masters, or PhD degrees with experience in plasma physics topics, Python

Qualifications

• Candidates may be pursuing undergraduate, masters, or PhD degrees.
• Experience in at least one of the listed physics areas (plasma modeling, stellarator/coil optimization, plasma control).
• Willing to work on-site in Kearny, NJ and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a dedicated research project under a senior physicist mentor.
• Conduct literature reviews to guide initial project specifications.
• Run simulations or analyze data to inform the stellarator design.
• Present findings to the broader technical team at internship conclusion.

Skills

Plasma modeling

Stellarator optimization

Plasma control

Machine learning

Data science

Python

Git

Monte Carlo methods

Neutron transport

Education

Pursuing undergraduate, masters, or PhD

Tools

Python

Git

High-performance computing

Scientific computing

Monte Carlo methods

Job description

Physics Intern - Fall 2026 Kearny, NJ Technology – 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.

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.