Mechanical Design Engineer

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 As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will significantly contribute to the design, analysis, validation and realisation of Proxima’s Alpha stellarator fusion machine. Your innovative and detailed engineering work will deliver robust mechanical, structural, and thermal performance of critical systems, tooling and manufacturing processes. You will also work with external collaborators and suppliers to develop the designs, equipment, systems and materials that will enable Proxima’s mission to deliver clean, sustainable fusion energy. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Develop innovative solutions and detailed mechanical designs for significant systems within the Alpha stellarator, ensuring integration with the broader physics, mechanical and structural systems. - Carry out thermal and structural analysis and assessment of mechanical designs, providing design input and implementing recommended design improvements. - Conduct technology trade-offs, materials selections and feasibility studies to facilitate the successful identification of the Alpha net energy stellarator. - Design, deliver, and support the prototyping and verification of the components, materials, assemblies and manufacturing processes selected for Alpha. - Work with external suppliers and collaborators to assist and guide the development and manufacture of the components and systems that will come together to demonstrate the net energy Alpha stellarator. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR - High performers with excellent communication and problem-solving skills who love challenges and are not afraid to experiment, take risks, and learn from mistakes. - Experience in designing and analysing mechanical components and assemblies, with proficiency in CAD (experience with 3DExperience/CATIA v6 and ANSYS is highly beneficial, but not essential). - Experience in designing and delivering the conceptual and detailed design of mechanical, structural, thermal or electro-mechanical equipment, particularly for use in research, development, prototyping and manufacturing. - Knowledge and experience of designing and selecting materials for some or all of the following engineering applications: high temperature, cryogenic, electromagnetic, vacuum. - Demonstrated ability to work with and manage external suppliers, with multidisciplinary technical teams in fast-paced, dynamic settings. - Proficiency with programming languages used in science and engineering (particularly Python) is highly beneficial but not essential. INTERVIEW PROCESS - Recruiter Interview (30-45 min) - Portfolio Presentation & Review (45-60 min) - Technical Panel Interviews (2x60 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 L2/L3/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.