Instrumentation Systems Engineer

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 is seeking an experienced Instrumentation Systems Engineers to work on the specification, design, integration, and deployment of the sensor and signal infrastructure for the Integrated Stellarator Eos. This role focuses on the definition and implementation of all instrumentation interfaces, including temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, current/voltage, and magnetic sensors across key control systems such as plasma control, cryogenics, vacuum, superconducting magnets, power supplies, and safety interlocks.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in industrial or scientific instrumentation, I/O design, cabling, grounding, and EMI/EMC practices for high-reliability environments. You will play a central role in building the data foundation for all control and monitoring subsystems.

•    Specify and integrate sensors and transducers for various systems, including:
   o    Thermocouples, RTDs, pressure and flow sensors (for cryogenics and vacuum)
   o    Rogowski coils, Hall sensors, shunts (for magnet and power supply systems)
   o    Displacement and strain sensors, fiber-optic sensors (for structural and magnetic diagnostics)
•    Define I/O architecture, including signal types, isolation requirements, and communication interfaces (analog, digital, fieldbus).
•    Develop and maintain:
   o    P&ID diagrams and instrumentation schematics
   o    I/O lists, loop diagrams, and tag databases
   o    Cable schedules, junction box layouts, and termination details
•    Ensure correct signal conditioning, filtering, and protection for analog and digital inputs.
•    Implement proper grounding, shielding, and segregation strategies to mitigate EMI/EMC issues.
•    Support interface design with DAQ systems, PLCs, and embedded control platforms (FPGA, ARM, PXIe).
•    Assist with the selection of DAQ hardware (digitizers, ADCs, isolation amplifiers, multiplexer cards).
•    Conduct field commissioning, sensor calibration, and troubleshooting of instrumentation during integration and testing phases.
•    Collaborate with system owners and control engineers to ensure all instrumentation supports operational requirements, safety, and data fidelity.

Required Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, or a related field.
•    5+ years of experience working with industrial or scientific instrumentation in large facilities (fusion, accelerator, power plant, process industry).
•    Hands-on experience with a wide range of sensors: thermocouples, RTDs, pressure/flow transducers, current/voltage sensors, fiber-optic sensors, etc.
•    Proficiency in reading and creating:
   o    P&ID diagrams
   o    I/O lists, terminal plans, cable routing drawings
   o    Wiring and loop diagrams
•    Knowledge of signal isolation, analog signal conditioning, and transducer interface standards (4-20 mA, 0–10 V, differential signals).
•    Familiarity with EMI/EMC mitigation strategies, including shielded cabling, star grounding, and filtering.
•    Experience in selecting and specifying instrumentation junction boxes, sensors, and cable harnesses for harsh or noisy environments.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Experience in fusion, nuclear, or large-scale R&D environments with high-power systems
•    Familiarity with DAQ platforms such as NI PXIe and CompactRIO
•    Understanding of safety-related instrumentation in SIL-rated systems (IEC 61508/61511)
•    Knowledge of fieldbus and industrial communication protocols (e.g., 4-20 mA HART, Modbus, EtherCAT)
•    Exposure to SCADA and control frameworks (EPICS, TANGO, Siemens WinCC)

Tools & Platforms:
•    CAD/Electrical Design: AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, SolidWorks Electrical
•    Documentation: Microsoft Excel (for I/O lists), COMOS or SmartPlant (for large-scale P&IDs)
•    DAQ/Signal Hardware: NI PXIe/cRIO, Signal Conditioning Modules (SCXI, 923x series), ADCs, isolation amplifiers
•    Protocols: Analog voltage/current, RS-485, CAN, Modbus, fiber-optic transceivers

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.  

  

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.