Physics Intern - Fall 2026

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.