Design Physicist

About the role

You define how stellarator hardware behaves by owning system-level decisions from concept to deployment. Solving intertwined physics and engineering trade-offs turns abstract models into manufacturable hardware. You iterate quickly using data, ensuring each coil set meets demanding performance targets. This role requires you to act as the central point of ownership for complex design challenges that span multiple disciplines. You will translate high-level requirements into concrete specifications that guide the entire development cycle. Your work will directly influence the trajectory of Proxima Fusion's hardware roadmap and influence how future stellarator machines are architected. You are expected to challenge assumptions and refine designs through rigorous analysis and collaboration. Ultimately, you will ensure that the path from simulation to real-world components remains coherent, efficient, and aligned with our commercial goals.

Key facts

What you'll do

You will shape and advance reactor-relevant stellarator configurations, exploring equilibria and electromagnetic coil system designs that thoughtfully balance physics performance, engineering realities, and economic drivers.

You will operate at the intersection of physics and engineering, helping to bring together magnetic field requirements and hardware considerations into a coherent, end-to-end stellarator design approach.

You will build and evolve the tools that underpin stellarator design at Proxima Fusion, contributing to shared, production-grade platforms that enable confident, data-driven decisions across physics and engineering teams.

You will guide decisions at the interface of control systems, cryogenics, and magnets for reliable operation.

You will coordinate with manufacturing partners to ensure designs can be built at scale without compromise.

You will establish review checkpoints that align physics outcomes with schedule and budget realities.

You will participate in the definition of technical requirements that feed directly into procurement and integration activities.

You will support the creation of detailed engineering models that inform risk management and validation activities.

You will contribute to the continuous improvement of design workflows by identifying bottlenecks and proposing targeted enhancements.

You will communicate complex design choices to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in a clear and structured manner.

You will collaborate closely with software and physics teams to ensure that simulation tools reflect the latest understanding of stellarator behavior.

You will take responsibility for maintaining design traceability across requirements, analysis, and verification activities.

You will mentor junior team members on best practices for design documentation and analysis methods.

You will represent the design function in cross-functional discussions that influence the overall architecture of Alpha and Stellaris.

Requirements

You hold a research-focused Master's or a PhD in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering with stellarator experience. You demonstrate high performance when solving multi-physics problems and treat obstacles as growth opportunities.

You work autonomously, delivering results despite the high ambiguity common in early hardware development.

You are proficient in Python, using version control and modern collaborative workflows.

You are comfortable engaging with abstract concepts while maintaining a strong focus on practical implementation details.

You have a strong commitment to accuracy, ensuring that design assumptions are clearly documented and justified.

You are able to manage multiple priorities and maintain a high level of organization in a fast-paced environment.

You communicate effectively and constructively in a multicultural, distributed team setting.

You are willing to learn deeply about fusion-specific technologies and manufacturing constraints.

Nice to have

Experience with MHD equilibrium or stellarator coil optimization is preferred.

Skills and Tools

Your expertise includes Python, Git, CI/CD, the PyData ecosystem, Wendelstein 7-X, Alpha, and Stellaris.

Practical notes

The position is based in Munich; some travel may be required.

Interview Process

A recruiter will discuss the role and expectations first. Next, a technical screening evaluates core skills. You will then join three panel conversations, each lasting 60 minutes, focused on design and execution.

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 will join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals.

You will do your life's best work and enjoy the journey.

You will get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent.

About Proxima Fusion

At Proxima Fusion, we're driven by a bold mission - to redefine the future of sustainable energy. Our unique concept, built upon the groundbreaking W7-X stellarator and the latest advances in technology, paves the way for commercially viable fusion power plants.