Industrial Controls Engineer

About the Position

Industrial Controls Engineer

Location: Munich, Germany

Department: Operations, Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Employment Type: Full time

Workplace Type: On-site

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About the Company

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.

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Responsibilities

• Own the controls engineering for new magnet factory equipment supporting coil winding, impregnation, joining, and end-of-line testing.
• Architect control systems and develop PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) software, primarily on Beckhoff platforms.
• Commission and validate manufacturing equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and predictable operation.
• Partner with mechanical, process, and manufacturing engineers to translate production requirements into robust, well-documented automation solutions.

Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of Beckhoff controls systems (TwinCAT 3).
• Good Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) programming skills.
• Able to use common hand tools and diagnostic instruments such as multimeters.
• Proficiency in field network topology, both theory and practical applications.
• 2–5 years of experience in controls engineering for manufacturing or automation equipment, ideally on electromechanical or precision systems.
• Experience commissioning servo drives/VFDs and integrating sensors, actuators, and safety devices.
• Familiarity with HMI/SCADA platforms (TwinCAT HMI, WinCC, Ignition, or similar).
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Nice to Have

• Experience with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) electrical drafting tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Scripting experience (Python, SQL) for data acquisition or MES (Manufacturing Execution System)/database integration.
• Machine vision experience.
• Greenfield or startup equipment commissioning experience.
• Working knowledge of relevant electrical and machine safety standards (e.g., EN 60204-1, IEC 61439, ISO 13849).

We Offer

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and fusion technology.
• Collaborate with a diverse, high-performing team.
• Be part of a company with a bold mission: making limitless clean energy a reality.

Interview Process

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

This role sits at L2/L3 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information

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.