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Job Description

Overview

Thea Energy is pioneering next-generation fusion energy technology by reinventing the stellarator using advanced engineering techniques. They are seeking a Senior Machinist to operate and maintain machine shop operations, bridging rapid R&D prototyping and small-run production.

Responsibilities

  • Operate and maintain the machine shop including CNC machines, manual machines, and basic metrology equipment.
  • Set up CNC machines, including tooling, fixtures, and programming for efficient production runs.
  • Set up workflows and tooling for switching from production to one-of-a-kind parts.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to understand machining requirements.
  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of CNC equipment.
  • Conduct quality inspections using precision measurement tools.
  • Adhere to safety procedures and regulations.
  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize manufacturing processes.

Requirements

  • 8+ years of experience operating 3-axis CNC machines in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in a prototyping setting.
  • Knowledge of HEM machining and tooling techniques.
  • Hands-on experience with manual machines such as Lathes and Mills.
  • Proficiency in CNC machine setup, programming, and operation.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and GD&T.
  • Experience with precision measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commitment to safety protocols.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • PTO

Benefits

Health Insurance
PTO
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How this job compares in Kearny, NJ

Pay in context

At roughly $42/hr, this posting sits about 20% above the $35/hr median for welding jobs across New Jersey — toward the top of a $30–$40/hr middle band drawn from 91 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 80% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in Kearny, NJ

Kearny, NJ currently has 3 other active welding openings besides this one, spread across 2 employers. 3 of them were added in the last week. Across New Jersey as a whole we're tracking 152 other active welding openings from 109 employers. That's enough local activity to be worth comparing two or three offers before committing. Browse every welding job in Kearny, or widen the search to New Jersey.

Thea Energy currently has 2 other openings live in New Jersey, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in New Jersey at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are gpac (11), DC Fabricators (4), and UPS (3). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within New Jersey, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Lyndhurst at $33/hr and South Plainfield at $32/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Kearny, NJ

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Senior Machinist figures were last recalculated when this page was built.