Senior Computational Physicist, Stellarator Optimization

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.   TEAM AND ROLE - 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 in industry – 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. - Build 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.   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 a Senior Computational Physicist - Stellarator Optimization, you will design the magnetic fields and coils at the core of our stellarators. You will balance plasma performance with engineering requirements, prioritizing simple, practical designs that can be built. Your work will directly shape Stellaris, our first commercial fusion power plant.   WHAT YOU WILL DO You will shape the “heart” of the stellarator: the magnetic field that confines the plasma and the coils that create it. - Release optimized plasma and coil geometries that engineering teams use to design magnets, supporting structures, and surrounding sub-systems. - Resolve design trade-offs between physics, engineering and assembly requirements. - Own research projects that overcome technical challenges. Choose questions by their impact to the stellarator and carry the answers through to engineering decisions. - Deliver results in time for design milestones, with clear recommendations, checked assumptions, and uncertainties that engineers can work with. WHO YOU ARE - You have strong mathematical reasoning and experience solving difficult computational problems. You can work from first principles and choose methods that fit the question. - You have independently driven research to useful outcomes, in academia or industry. You can frame an ambiguous problem, set priorities, and deliver without waiting for detailed instructions. - You understand that designs need to meet requirements and deadlines. You know when to investigate further and when to commit to a validated solution. - You write clear, reliable scientific code. You are comfortable with Python, or can become productive in it quickly, and use testing, version control, and code review. - You have a master’s degree in a STEM field, or equivalent experience. We welcome physicists, mathematicians, engineers, computer scientists, and researchers from other quantitative backgrounds. A PhD is not required. - Prior fusion, tokamak, or stellarator experience is not required. You bring the computational attitude and willingness to learn the physics.   INTERVIEW PROCESS - Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) - Technical Screening (30 min) - Technical Panel (3x60 min) 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.