Senior Computational Physicist, Stellarator Optimization

About the Position

Senior Computational Physicist, Stellarator Optimization

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Strong mathematical reasoning and experience solving difficult computational problems. You can work from first principles and choose methods that fit the question.
• 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.
• Understanding that designs need to meet requirements and deadlines. You know when to investigate further and when to commit to a validated solution.
• Writing clear, reliable scientific code. Comfortable with Python, or can become productive in it quickly, and use testing, version control, and code review.
• 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.

We Offer

• Opportunity to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world.
• Join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals.
• Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey.
• Show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent.

About the Company

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.