Alpha Plasma Microwave Modeler

About the role

The Alpha Plasma Microwave Modeler role at Proxima Fusion centers on owning the end-to-end physics simulation pipeline that links gyrotron sources to plasma performance in the Alpha stellarator. You will model the propagation, polarization, and absorption of millimeter waves to guide critical design choices for how we heat the plasma. You will work at the intersection of plasma physics, RF engineering, and systems design, translating simulation insight into actionable hardware decisions. You will establish a simulation baseline by running ray-tracing and beam-tracing tools against W7-X experimental data to validate heating scenarios. You will partner with the ECRH design lead and electromagnetic engineers to ensure that your models directly influence the Alpha ECRH launcher and gyrotron designs. You will contribute to defining the technical roadmap for Alpha heating and current drive, ensuring that your work supports the overall machine architecture. You will document and communicate your results clearly to both technical teams and cross-functional stakeholders so that your simulations drive the next steps in our engineering decisions.

What you'll do

Run ray-tracing and beam-tracing simulations of EC wave propagation and absorption using codes such as TRAVIS, RAYTRAX and more complex beam or full wave model codes. Develop an integrated modeling framework that couples wave deposition to transport codes, enabling temperature and density profile optimization and validation of the heating scenario performance. Build and maintain Python-based post-processing pipelines to automate scenario scanning and interface simulation outputs with the Alpha integrated design framework. Model Electron Cyclotron Current Drive (ECCD) and assess its ability to modify rotational transform and equilibrium in the Alpha quasi-isodynamic configuration. Contribute to design reviews, interface control documents, and technical reports to ensure simulation results are traceable and actionable. Establish and maintain a rigorous simulation baseline that connects gyrotron specifications to predicted plasma heating and current drive performance. Collaborate with academic partners and internal teams to incorporate the latest advances in stellarator optimization and high-temperature superconducting magnet engineering into your models. Support the definition of measurement requirements for future experiments by identifying key validation metrics and diagnostic needs based on simulation outcomes.

Requirements

Hold a PhD (or equivalent demonstrated expertise) in plasma physics, applied physics, or a related field, with a focus on plasma-wave interactions or RF heating of magnetically confined plasmas. Bring hands-on experience with at least one EC propagation or absorption code such as TRAVIS, TORBEAM, C3PO, IPF-FD3D, or similar established tools. Demonstrate proficiency in Python for simulation scripting, data analysis, and visualization, with comfort reading and modifying legacy Fortran or C/C++ code when required. Show a systems-thinking mindset that allows you to translate physics outputs into engineering requirements and hardware constraints effectively. Prove you are a strong team player, comfortable working across physics and engineering disciplines and engaging with external academic partners in a collaborative setting. Have a track record of producing reliable, well-documented simulation workflows that can be used to inform hardware design and experimental campaigns. Be comfortable working within a structured simulation validation framework that emphasizes traceability from model inputs to physical results. Commit to upholding the high standards of quality and safety required for hardware-influencing simulation work in a high-stakes fusion environment.

Practical notes

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 the Alpha Plasma Microwave Modeler, you will own the physics simulation pipeline that connects our gyrotron sources to plasma performance. You will model the propagation, polarization, and absorption of millimeter waves in the Alpha stellarator guiding the design choices that determine how effectively we heat the plasma. You will sit at the interface between plasma physics, RF engineering, and systems design, working closely with the ECRH design lead, electromagnetic engineers, and academic partners to ensure that simulation insight drives hardware decisions. You will establish the simulation baseline by running ray-tracing and beam-tracing codes across the Alpha operating space, validating these against W7-X experimental data so that the results can drive the design of the Alpha ECRH launcher and gyrotron designs.