Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Cedar Knolls, NJ

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 a Control Systems Engineer to support the design and integration of the control system for the Integrated Eos Stellarator. This role will contribute to subsystem control definition, distributed control implementation, dynamic modeling, and advanced control development across plant and machine systems. The Control Systems Engineer will work closely with subsystem teams, vendors, and collaborators to develop control logic, interface definitions, model-based analyses, and implementation packages that support reliable and scalable operation of Eos.

This position is intended for a strong hands‑on controls engineer who can bridge advanced control methods and practical plant implementation. The role is expected to grow with the program and may expand over time toward broader subsystem ownership or architecture responsibilities.

• Develop control strategies, operating modes, control narratives, and sequence logic for assigned Eos subsystems.
• Support distributed control system design through preparation of control logic diagrams, I/O architecture, design‑basis documentation, and subsystem interface definitions.
• Build and maintain dynamic models of plant and subsystem behavior using MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or similar tools to inform control design, operating setpoints, and transient analysis.
• Support design and tuning of classical and advanced control algorithms for thermal, fluid, electrical, and process systems.
• Coordinate with internal subsystem owners and external vendors to translate design requirements into implementable PLC, DCS, HMI, and supervisory control solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation including block diagrams, interface descriptions, validation plans, control philosophies, and test support packages.
• Contribute to integration of control functions across power supply systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, utilities, plant support systems, and future plasma‑related control interfaces.
• Support verification, commissioning preparation, issue resolution, and design reviews during conceptual and preliminary design phases.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Control Systems, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Two or more years of experience in control system development for complex industrial, energy, process, nuclear, aerospace, or scientific systems.
• Strong background in dynamic system modeling and control design, including classical and modern control methods.
• Strong proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Experience with Python or other technical programming environments.
• Familiarity with PLCs, DCSs, HMIs, SCADA, or other industrial control environments.
• Ability to prepare and communicate technical documentation clearly across cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in a multidisciplinary organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with first‑of‑a‑kind energy systems, advanced reactors, fusion systems, or other high‑reliability engineered systems.
• Experience with vendor coordination and implementation oversight for control logic or subsystem controls.
• Experience with MIMO control, optimization‑based control, robust control, estimation, or data‑driven control methods.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git, and configuration‑managed engineering workflows.
• Experience with thermal‑hydraulic, power system, or process system dynamic modeling.
• Exposure to safety‑related control functions, interlocks, or regulated plant environments.

• Salary range $120,000-$160,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on‑call.
• 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.

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.