Lead Design Engineer - First Wall System in Oxford

At Proxima Fusion, we are 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. Our work in stellarator optimization, powered by cutting‐edge computation and machine learning, is propelling us into uncharted territories of fusion technology. New higher‐performance design points are unlocked by high temperature superconducting magnets.

To fully grasp this huge opportunity, we are building a team of extremely dedicated and passionate people who come together driving something extraordinary, radically transforming technology in the world.

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.
• 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 first wall design lead for the net energy Alpha stellarator, you will take ownership of the design and integration of the system that provides the barrier between the high‐energy plasma and the superconducting magnets of the integrated Alpha design. This role demands high‐level systems thinking, technical judgement, and the ability to make impactful design decisions in areas where the "right" answer is not immediately clear. You will build and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and align closely with the Alpha plasma physics effort to identify, prototype and demonstrate a design that can withstand the challenging heat, particle and structural load environment whilst delivering on the ambitious Proxima timescales.

What You Will Do

• Provide innovative solutions to the complex engineering challenges by collaborating closely with physicists to ensure component designs meet the Alpha plasma physics and thermal‐mechanical constraints.
• Architect the first wall sub‐system within a growing, high‐performance cross‐functional team of engineers, physicists, and data scientists, engaging with other systems and system leads to ensure alignment and cohesion across the full concept design.
• Communicate technical strategy, progress, and risks clearly to both technical and non‐technical stakeholders.
• Lead the first wall through concept design with detailed analysis and prototyping, using first principles reasoning, simulation, tests and prototyping to make and validate key design decisions.
• Interface with the Alpha project management teams to drive the delivery of the first wall to meet the tight Proxima timelines.

Who You Are

• Experienced mechanical engineer with high heat flux thermal and mechanical design experience, including proficiency in CAD software (preferably CATIA).
• Proven track record in systems architecture and leading complex engineering efforts, including conceptual design development where decisions have been made with limited data, and trade‐offs have been required between competing requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical engineering principles relevant to high‐energy physics environments.
• Experience validating first‐of‐a‐kind designs with uncertain performance through a combination of multi‐scale and multi‐physics simulations, testing, and prototyping.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work within multidisciplinary technical teams in fast‐paced, dynamic settings.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively.

Interview Process

• Recruiter Interview (30‐60 min).
• Technical Screening (30 min).
• Technical Panel (3x60 min).
• CEO call (30 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.