Test Engineering Intern - Spring 2027

Thea Energy Inc.; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Thea Energy is seeking a Test Engineering Intern for Spring 2027 in Kearny, NJ. You will assist in generating test documentation, supporting fixture design, and tracking test results as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Ideal candidates are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace or Materials Science with hands-on hardware experience using LabView, Python, CAD tools and instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace or Materials Science.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings and GD&T is a plus.
• Hands-on hardware design, build and test experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in generating and updating test documentation and SOPs.
• Support design, prototyping, and commissioning of custom test fixtures and equipment.
• Collaborate with test engineers and designers to apply lessons learned to future designs.
• Manage inventory and update BOMs for tests and assemblies.
• Assist hardware procurement by evaluating vendor specs and ensuring part quality.

Skills

LabView

Python

CAD software

Multidisciplinary problem solving

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

National Instruments

Job description

Test Engineering Intern - Spring 2027

Kearny, NJ

Internships – Test Engineering / 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.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Assist in generating and updating test documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality criteria for HTS magnet testing.
• Support design, prototyping, and commissioning of custom test fixtures and equipment.
• Work alongside test engineers, magnet designers, and manufacturing engineers to incorporate "lessons learned" from testing into future designs.
• Manage virtual and physical inventory, organize assembly areas, and update manufacturing Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Assist hardware procurement, evaluating vendor specs, and ensuring incoming parts meet quality standards.
• Track test metrics and results, and progress against critical program milestones.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
• Strong foundational understanding of engineering drawings and spatial mechanics (exposure to GD&T is a major plus).
• Hands‑on project experience (e.g., Formula SAE, rocketry club, robotics club, etc.) involving mechanical or electrical hardware design, build, and test.
• Familiarity with relevant hardware and software for developing test controls including LabView, Python, National Instruments, thermocouples and voltage taps, and similar equipment and software.
• Direct experience with fabrication or assembly processes such as machining (hand tools, manual mill, CNC), fastened and bonded assemblies, soldering, etc.
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX).
• Ability to work through and solve highly multidisciplinary engineering problems.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional work ethic, with clear communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50 lbs.

Company Benefits

• Salary range $21 - $25/hour
• 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 does not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.