Control Systems Engineer - LabView Developer

Kearny Point, NJ
Technology – Electrical and Control Systems Engineering /
Full-time /
On-site
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:
Thea Energy is seeking an experienced, highly motivated control systems engineer - LabView developer to join its rapidly growing team. The control systems engineer will have ownership of the design, development, and commissioning of the control system for complex equipment within Thea Energy’s stellarator fusion systems. As part of a rapidly growing team, you’ll be part of the organizational build-up of a leading fusion energy company. This role will have a high degree of autonomy and must be able to move quickly. The Thea Energy team is comprised of self-motivated, creative, and fun individuals with an excitement for solving complex problems.

Key Responsibility Areas:

    • Work with a team of experts in developing controls for Thea Energy’s systems
    • Have ownership of the specification, development, implementation, and testing of advanced control software for complex systems
    • Architect, program, and document cutting-edge distributed Data Acquisition and Control (DAC) projects utilizing National Instruments hardware and software, such as LabVIEW and VeriStand, incorporating DAQ, PXI, cRIO, and RIO (FPGA) architectures
    • Develop modular, readable, and reusable LabVIEW code, emphasizing reliability and continual improvement
    • Create engineering tools, including both desktop and web-based testing applications
    • Integrate VHDL and C codes into hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems, utilizing both LabVIEW and open-source hardware and software platforms
    • Link medium to high-speed acquisition and control systems (500kSps-20MSps) with SQL databases and scientific data storage systems (MDSplus)
    • Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to define interfaces and requirements and ensure seamless integration of DAC/HIL solutions
    • Troubleshoot and swiftly resolve issues in LabVIEW-based DAC/HIL systems
    • Conduct feasibility studies and offer recommendations for the implementation of automation technologies, particularly for experimental support
    • Develop and execute comprehensive test plans
    • Communicate progress, challenges, and opportunities to engineering and leadership
    • Document design specifications, test procedures, and user manuals for automation and acquisition systems
    • Provide technical support and training to DAC/HIL systems users, ensuring a smooth adoption and operation of such systems
    • Offer on-site and remote debugging and troubleshooting support during off-hours when necessary

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

    • Extensive experience as a control engineer on complex, large-scale systems
    • Experience with magnetic confinement fusion, aerospace, or other highly technical industries is ideal.
    • BS or MS in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related physics or engineering discipline
    • Minimum of 3 years of hands-on LabVIEW development experience; experience with VeriStand is a bonus
    • Proven success in advanced LabVIEW programming, focusing on data acquisition and control or HIL systems, within scientific, industrial, or research environments
    • Demonstrated ability in successfully developing projects from concept to completion
    • Proficiency with National Instruments hardware, including PXI, PXIe, and expertise in both Windows and RT Linux environments
    • Experience with National Instruments distributed IO (eRIO etc.)
    • Competency in HIL/SIL software architecture
    • Proficient in the development and optimization of LabVIEW applications for efficient parallel processing and multitasking
    • Strong understanding of software engineering principles, encompassing software architecture, design patterns, and best practices
    • Preferred experience with high-power equipment testing, magnets, and power electronics
    • LabVIEW certification (certified LabVIEW developer) is advantageous
    • Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
    • Ability to work through and solve highly complex engineering problems
    • Ability to take initiative, and work independently and as part of a team
    • Ability to execute and flourish in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
    • Comfortable working to aggressive deadlines
    • Exceptional work ethic
    • Innate desire to learn, innovate, and critique ideas including one’s own

Company Benefits:

    • Competitive salary
    • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
    • Employee equity stock options
    • Open vacation policies
    • Work-life balance
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.