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Thea Energy, Inc.

Program Manager

Thea Energy, Inc., Kearny, New Jersey, us, 07032

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Position Overview: Thea Energy is seeking an experienced, organized, and motivated Program Manager. As a Program Manager, you will be responsible for managing the execution of a complex deployment of various fusion systems including an integrated device across design, prototyping, construction, and operational phases.

In this role, you will help organize and execute across the lifecycle of new technology deployment of one of the most consequential and cutting‑edge technologies of our generation – fusion energy. As a Program Manager, you will establish critical management protocols and procedures to manage risk and deploy the Company’s technology in the most efficient way possible.

The Thea Energy team is comprised of self‑motivated, innovative, and collaborative individuals with an excitement for solving complex problems. This is a challenging position that requires a high degree of autonomy, and the ideal candidate must be able to move quickly. A proven track record of leading program management, excellent communication skills, and a passion for new technologies and innovation is required.

Key Responsibility Areas:

Manage the strategy and execution of first‑of‑a‑kind technologies across design, prototyping, construction, and startup phases

Coordinate overall program schedules and budgets with Company leadership, engineering and physics teams, and vendors, to execute against programs

Identify critical path risks and decisions, and enact them into program management

Continue the development of project management best practices that prioritize efficiency and manage programmatic baselines including WBS, schedule, and cost

Take full ownership of the risk register and mitigation tracking system, facilitating regular reviews with technical leads to ensure mitigation plans are actively enacted

Maintain and evolve project scoping and approval processes to ensure all new initiatives are properly vetted, aligned with company milestones before execution, and then enacted

Work with various teams to establish scope and associated staffing requirements to accomplish projects as the company scales

Work closely with engineering and physics teams to implement various management and documentation protocols capable of tracking risks, decisions, cost, and schedule across development stages

Manage programs using lean systems designed to provide maximum visibility to leadership with minimum administrative friction

Develop performance metrics to track program effectiveness and establish a regular reporting structure to communicate progress to staff and the Company's Board

Establish project controls and planning functions, including the process for establishing schedule baselines and managing changes

Serve as the central hub between physics, engineering, and finance to ensure technical decisions are mapped to budget and schedule impacts

Maintain a regular reporting cadence for department updates

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

5+ years of program management experience in a deep‑tech or high‑growth hardware environment

Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field

Proven track record of maintaining project governance, approval workflows, and stage‑gate processes, and meeting milestones on time and on budget

Advanced experience in risk management and the active tracking of mitigation lifecycles

Knowledge of project execution risks and how to manage them effectively, including financial implications

Experience deploying large and complex first‑of‑a‑kind systems (e.g. fusion, aerospace)

Familiarity with complex hardware systems such as cryogenic, heating, fluid, vacuum, power electronics, and control systems

Demonstrated ability to manage lean project systems that prioritize big‑picture goals over administrative complexity

Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills

Ability to translate strategy into actionable engineering tasks

Ability to innovate, execute, and flourish in a fast‑paced environment

Experience with schedule development for large projects, including managing variances, strategic planning, and contingencies

Exceptional work ethic

Prioritization of safety above all else

Proficiency in project software including Jira, Wrike, and Microsoft Project

Team player who is excited to help others and flourish in a high‑autonomy work culture

Ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50 lbs.

Company Benefits:

Salary range $85,000-$145,000

Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)

Employee equity stock options

20 days PTO

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.

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