Alpha Plant Systems Lead

Job description

WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. BY JOINING OUR TEAM YOU’LL GET TO - Shape the architecture of the world’s first commercial fusion power plant – Own system-level decisions that determine how a first-of-a-kind energy technology is designed, integrated, and ultimately deployed at scale. - Solve some of the most complex engineering challenges – Work across tightly coupled disciplines (plasma physics, magnets, cryogenics, manufacturing, controls, and more) to resolve critical trade-offs and turn cutting-edge science into a functioning product. - Design real hardware with a pragmatic, fast-moving team from all over the world – Combine advanced simulation and systems thinking with a strong execution mindset, focusing on practical engineering solutions that accelerate the path to commercial fusion energy. YOUR IMPACT Shape the architecture of the world’s first net energy gain stellarator by taking full responsibility for the design, integration, and delivery of Alpha’s ancillary systems. You will own the system-level decisions that determine how breakthrough technology is integrated and delivered. Taking accountability for the tritium fuel cycle, high voltage electrical power, heating sources, cryogenic and non-cryogenic cooling systems, and waste water treatment, you will also take total ownership of the complexity between them and the stellarator: the piping, distribution networks, and critical infrastructure that connect them. You will lead the team of teams translating the needs of Alpha into the physical delivery of major ancillaries, bridging in-house talent and external contractors. Solve some of the most complex engineering challenges in industry: this role demands deep, hands-on technical judgement and the ability to make impactful design decisions across a wide range of tightly coupled disciplines to turn cutting-edge science into a functioning facility. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Drive integrated system design and delivery: Own the integrated design of the ancillary systems and all interconnecting infrastructure to seamlessly embed them into the wider Alpha facility. - Modernize the engineering approach: Bring a forward-thinking vision to the industrial facility development process by including, for example, advanced process engineering techniques, modern Building Information Modeling (BIM), and 4D assembly planning. - Own the interfaces and the budget: Manage complex trade-offs and resolve critical design constraints by collaborating closely with stellarator engineering and facility teams. You will own the budget for these systems and serve as the primary technical interface with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies. - Build systems with a fast-moving team: Combine systems thinking with a pragmatic execution mindset. You will lead across the ancillary systems, providing the judgement needed to unblock cross-system challenges and facility trade decisions. - Execute safe and successful operations: Define the safety logic and lead the integrated installation, commissioning, and maintenance strategies for Alpha’s ancillary systems. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR - End-to-End Infrastructure Delivery: A proven track record owning major projects, from design through to construction, commissioning, and handover. - Relevant Industrial Experience: First-hand experience witnessing and delivering complex plant engineering and facilities. Broad backgrounds that are relevant for this role include manufacturing, data centers, refineries, chemical plants, or industrial gas production. - Deep Technical and Design Judgement: Strong technical skillsets beyond delivery management with the ability to lead design decisions regarding complex facility integration. - Systems & Execution Mindset: The ability to balance inputs from multidisciplinary technical teams and a bias to action in resolving critical trade-offs. - Agility and Leadership: Team players who thrive in fast moving, high growth environments. Demonstrated ability to manage large internal and external work packages. INTERVIEW PROCESS - Recruiter Interview (30-45 min) - Technical Screening (30 min) - Technical Panel (3x60 min) - CEO call (30 min) Successful applicants will be assigned to one of the Engineering teams within Proxima, depending on their specific skills, location, and the needs of the organisation. This role sits at L4 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.