About the role#
Thea Energy is looking for a Manufacturing Engineering Intern to join the team in Kearny, New Jersey, for the Fall 2026 term. This is a full-time, on-site, paid position. You will work directly with magnet designers and manufacturing engineers to support the production of fusion energy technology.
What you'll do#
- Create and update manufacturing documentation, such as standard operating procedures and quality criteria.
- Design, prototype, and commission custom manufacturing tooling and fixtures.
- Collaborate with the engineering team to apply shop floor findings to future designs.
- Manage physical and virtual inventory and update manufacturing Bills of Materials.
- Support hardware procurement by evaluating vendor specifications and verifying part quality.
- Track production metrics and progress against program milestones.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- A strong understanding of engineering drawings and spatial mechanics.
- Hands-on experience with mechanical or electrical hardware design through projects like robotics or rocketry.
- Practical experience with fabrication or assembly processes, including machining, soldering, or bonded assemblies.
- Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or NX.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team to solve multidisciplinary problems.
Location & details#
- Location: Kearny, New Jersey.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $25 per hour.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a facility containing industrial hazards such as high voltage, strong magnets, and cryogenics.
About Thea Energy
Thea Energy develops fusion energy systems using arrays of magnets and software controls. The company focuses on commercial fusion as a source of zero-emission power. It was founded in 2022 as a spin-out from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Princeton University. The team is currently designing Eos, an integrated fusion system based on a planar coil stellarator architecture. The company is based in Kearny, New Jersey, and employs between 51 and 200 people.
How to get in at Thea Energy
Securing an internship at Thea Energy requires staying ahead of the crowd because roles in fusion technology attract significant interest. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, which helps you apply among the first. Getting your application in early ensures your materials are reviewed before the pile grows too large for recruiters to manage. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the specific recruiters behind these roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the team or a potential referral often improves your response rates compared to waiting for a system update. It is a practical way to show genuine interest in their stellarator research while the hiring process is still active.
