HTS Magnet Cryogenics Engineer
US$140,000 – US$180,000 / yr base salary
Posted 24 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Senior HTS Magnet Cryogenics Engineer”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 8+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Full-time
| Base salary | US$140,000 – US$180,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyAerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's or higher
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. Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Senior HTS Magnet Cryogenics Engineer with at least 8 years of hands-on expertise to lead the thermal and cryogenic design of next-generation High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet systems and associated test facilities. You will bridge the gap between HTS coil performance, complex cryogenic cooling circuits, and thermal isolation to deliver reliable high-field magnet systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, model, and integrate cryogenic cooling systems (conduction-cooled, cryo-fluid loops, or liquid helium/nitrogen systems) for HTS magnet assemblies.
- Perform thermal, fluid, and structural FEA modeling (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) to optimize temperature profiles, cooling margins, and quench behavior.
- Select, specify, and procure cryogenic hardware, including cryocoolers, thermal straps, current leads, vacuum vessels, and instrumentation.
- Lead cryogenic testing, commissioning, and validation of HTS magnet prototypes from 20K up to 77K environments.
- Troubleshoot thermal leaks, vacuum degradation, and cryogenic system integration issues during test campaigns.
- Mentor junior engineers and collaborate directly with magnet designers, electrical engineers, and manufacturing teams.
Required Qualifications:
Experience:- 8+ years of dedicated professional experience in cryogenic engineering, specifically applied to superconducting magnet systems (HTS preferred; LTS with strong HTS understanding is considered). Education:- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred). Technical Skills:- Deep expertise in vacuum technology, and low-temperature material properties.
- Proven experience in cooling superconducting magnets – MRI, accelerators or fusion systems
- Proven experience with cryogenic refrigeration systems (Gifford-McMahon, Pulse Tube, or Stirling cryocoolers or large cryoplants).
- Proficiency in thermal simulation software (ANSYS, COMSOL, or Thermal Desktop) and CAD systems (SolidWorks or NX).