Integrated Modeling Intern - Fall 2026
Summary
An intern at Thea Energy will develop and optimize reduced physics models and surrogate models for stellarator fusion reactors using numerical optimization and machine learning, working with high-fidelity simulations.
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.
Thea Energy's approach to fusion confinement is uniquely positioned to leverage AI and learned surrogates in the design of its fusion power plant. Likewise, the large design space of the stellarator approach makes numerical optimization of figures of merit essential. Thea Energy is looking for a motivated intern with familiarity with toroidal plasma confinement devices to perform several tasks:
- Implement reduced models of physics phenomena and engineering systems
- Generate coupled workflows of integrated models including constrained numerical optimization of designs
- Train surrogate models on high-fidelity simulation outputs
Ideal Experience & Skillsets:
The ideal candidate will have experience with toroidal plasma confinement devices, constrained nonlinear numerical optimization, systems studies, data science, and/or machine learning
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.