Manufacturing Engineer (Temporary ITER Secondment Program)

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. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION - You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. - You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. - Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. - Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will take ownership of developing assembly strategies and work packages for our stellarator machine program, one of the most critical and technically demanding elements of our first integrated prototype. This role sits at the intersection of engineering rigour and hands-on execution, defining how complex fusion machine systems are assembled safely, precisely, and on schedule. SECONDMENT PROGRAM DETAILS This position is part of a unique secondment program in collaboration with ITER, through their IPA (ITER Project Associates) scheme. You will be hired by Proxima Fusion and start in our Munich office for 6 months, then for 12 months be embedded at the ITER Organization in Cadarache, France, gaining direct, hands-on experience at the world's largest fusion experiment. Following the secondment, you will relocate back to Munich to continue your career at Proxima Fusion. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Develop fusion machine assembly engineering work packages based on system engineering inputs, including review of technical data, confirmation of assembly strategies, and identification of open points in the process. - Verify and validate input data provided to external suppliers, and review installation work packages they prepare in return. - Prepare technical documents covering specification, execution, and surveillance of machine assembly work packages. - Survey and monitor construction work through to completion, maintaining responsibility for safety, quality, and schedule. - Define process interfaces between components, systems, and associated tooling, proposing layouts, concepts, and alternative strategies to resolve assembly challenges, improve quality, and optimise cost and schedule. - Contribute to the design of assembly tools and ensure applicable quality and safety measures are upheld throughout. - Support the development and ongoing maintenance of the overall machine assembly strategy. - Implement technical controls for safety-critical requirements and ensure their propagation across the external supply chain. WHO YOU ARE - Master's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a comparable field; relevant experience and additional training certificates may be considered in lieu of formal education. - At least 5 years' experience in the construction of large industrial, big science, or nuclear projects. - Good understanding of non-standardised design, construction, and assembly aspects related to experimental devices or high-technology equipment. - Experience in a nuclear or highly-regulated environment, with a solid grasp of nuclear safety principles, a strong advantage. - Proven ability to write technical specifications and documentation covering all aspects of assembly work, from desk to field. - Experience in contract monitoring and follow-up with external suppliers. - Knowledge of structural fabrication, welding, non-destructive testing (including ultra-high vacuum leak testing), and complex assemblies involving high-precision metrology (laser trackers/scanning). - Good working knowledge of QA systems and their practical application in a field environment. - Experience with assembly tooling design — including application of codes and standards, safety & quality, and tolerance management — is a plus. - Familiarity with lifting, handling, and transportation of heavy components and structures is an advantage. - Experience scheduling assembly activities and using scheduling software such as Primavera is an advantage. - Fluent in English (written and spoken). - Proficient in Microsoft Office; working knowledge of CATIA V5/Enovia. INTERVIEW PROCESS - Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) - Technical Screening (30 min) - Technical Panel (3x60 min) - CEO call (30 min) *This role sits at L2/L3 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.