Alpha Plant Systems Lead

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 em