Cryogenics Engineer

About the role

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

Your work will be critical to the success of Alpha, Proxima’s scientific breakeven stellarator. Alpha relies on superconducting magnet systems that must operate at cryogenic temperatures to generate the magnetic fields required to confine plasma. As a Cryogenic Engineer, you will design, analyse and validate the cryogenic systems that enable these magnets to perform reliably. Applying expertise in thermal engineering, fluid dynamics, and cryogenic system design, you will develop advanced cooling solutions for a first of a kind fusion machine. This role requires a unique combination of advanced systems thinking, simulation and modelling skills, and hands-on technical judgement. You will move between analysis and implementation, turning complex designs into reliable cryogenic systems through testing, troubleshooting, and validation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

- Specify, design, and analyze specific cooling system to meet cryogenic performance requirements, ensuring model accuracy is verified by testing protocols;

- Provide hands-on technical leadership during the construction, commissioning, and long-term operation of the cryogenic plant and its subsystems;

- Conduct performance analysis, testing, and troubleshooting of cryogenic systems;

- Collaborate closely with electromagnetic, mechanical and electrical engineers, magnet experts, and physicists;

- Identify and act as an expert customer for projects with external suppliers and partners to specify and co-design cryogenic systems with the highest quality and speed.

WHO YOU ARE

- A team player who enjoys tackling difficult challenges, exploring new approaches, and continuously improving through iteration ;

- An engineer who combines strong modelling skills with hands-on experience building and operating cryogenic systems

- Experience in cryogenic hardware design, commissioning, and operation;

- Proven track record in specifying and designing cryogenic cooling systems using both multi-physics tools (ie Simcenter Amesim, Comsol) and reduced-order modelling approaches;

- Experience validating cryogenic systems through a combination of simulations, testing, and prototyping;

- Demonstrated ability to lead external work packages and manage procurement projects.

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.