Vacuum Engineer (f/m/d)

About the role

You will define the technical scope for vacuum systems that underpin our laser-driven fusion platform, ensuring alignment with mechanical, controls, and facility requirements. You will act as the vacuum authority for both experimental bench-scale setups and large-scale infrastructure, translating scientific needs into robust engineering specifications. You will own the end-to-end lifecycle of vacuum system development, from initial concept and calculations through procurement, integration, and final commissioning. You will apply deep expertise in vacuum physics and pump technologies to solve complex outgassing, conductance, and leak-tightness challenges. You will collaborate closely with controls engineers to implement pump sequencing, interlocks, and monitoring that ensure safe and reliable operation. You will support the assembly and testing of vacuum components, conducting rigorous leak detection and performance validation to meet strict cleanliness standards. You will contribute to the development of standardized operating procedures and maintenance plans that enhance system reliability and uptime. You will play a key role in scaling vacuum solutions from prototype environments to facility-level deployment across our campuses.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and specify vacuum systems for small experimental setups such as optical benches and diagnostic chambers.
• Design and specify vacuum systems for medium-scale systems such as beamlines and target chambers.
• Design and specify vacuum systems for large-scale infrastructure including facility vacuum systems and reactor-relevant environments.
• Define vacuum system requirements including pressure ranges, pump-down times, cleanliness levels, and leak rate limits.
• Perform calculations for gas load, conductance, pump sizing, and transient pump-down behavior to validate system performance.
• Select and specify pumps including turbomolecular, cryogenic, scroll, rotary vane, and backing systems, as well as valves, gauges, seals, and feedthroughs.
• Choose vacuum-compatible materials and surface treatments to minimize contamination and ensure compatibility with process requirements.
• Interface with vacuum equipment vendors, evaluate technical proposals, and support procurement of long-lead items.
• Integrate vacuum systems with laser systems, beam transport, target injection and tracking systems, diagnostic equipment, and facility infrastructure.
• Collaborate with controls engineers on pump sequencing, interlocks and safety systems, monitoring, and automation to ensure robust operation.
• Support assembly, installation, and commissioning of vacuum systems in laboratory and facility environments.
• Develop and implement leak testing procedures using methods such as helium leak detection to verify system integrity.
• Conduct pump-down testing and performance validation to confirm that vacuum requirements are met.
• Troubleshoot system issues including leaks, contamination, and instability, identifying root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop operating procedures and maintenance plans to improve system reliability, uptime, and overall performance.
• Support scaling efforts by adapting vacuum solutions from prototype stages to multi-system facility deployments.

Requirements

• Hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field that provides a strong foundation in vacuum technology and engineering principles.
• Bring 3 to 10 or more years of professional experience working with vacuum systems across diverse applications.
• Demonstrate proven experience in both laboratory or experimental vacuum systems and large or industrial vacuum systems.
• Show a strong understanding of vacuum physics, including flow regimes, outgassing phenomena, and conductance principles.
• Exhibit expertise in pump technologies, sealing methods such as CF, KF, ISO, and elastomer versus metal seals, and vacuum system design and calculations.
• Possess hands-on experience with leak detection, troubleshooting, and working with clean or ultra-clean systems, which is preferred.
• Have familiarity with chemical and or particulate vacuum cleanliness testing methods, such as RGA, NVR, and particle measurement, which is a plus.
• Have practical experience building and commissioning vacuum systems, translating design into functional installations.
• Show the ability to read and produce engineering drawings, utilizing tools such as Inventor or similar CAD software.
• Demonstrate experience collaborating with suppliers and managing technical specifications from evaluation through selection.
• Have experience working in multidisciplinary teams alongside mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers.
• Show understanding of vacuum systems interfaces with control systems, including PLC or cRIO platforms, safety systems, and facility infrastructure.

Nice to have

• Bring experience with high-energy physics, fusion, semiconductor, or laser systems where vacuum performance is critical.
• Have knowledge of large or complex distributed vacuum systems, fast pump-down capabilities, or cyclic operating conditions.
• Possess familiarity with cleanroom environments and ultra-high vacuum or extreme high vacuum systems.

Practical notes

This role is full-time based in Darmstadt, Germany. The position operates within standard working hours and may involve occasional travel between company locations as needed. Employment is subject to standard visa and documentation requirements for the region.