WHO WE ARE
At Proxima Fusion, we are driven by a bold mission: to redefine the future of sustainable energy. Our innovative approach, 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 immense opportunity, we’re building a team of extraordinarily dedicated and passionate individuals who come together to drive something extraordinary, radically transforming technology worldwide.
WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION
- Impact: Work on the literal frontier of energy science.
- Environment: Be embedded within the PSI ecosystem, collaborating with some of the world’s leading experts in superconductivity.
- Flexibility: As an early hire in this department, you will have significant input into the tools we use and the culture we build.
YOUR IMPACT
At Proxima Fusion, we are designing the first generation of fusion power plants to provide the world with clean, carbon-free energy. The heart of our reactor lies in its superconducting coils, which must operate in extreme environments—near absolute zero temperatures and under massive mechanical stress.
We are looking for a versatile engineer to join our team at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). You will be responsible for developing the instrumentation and testing infrastructure that validates our magnet prototypes. Whether you are selecting a sensor for a cryogenic environment or coding the real-time dashboard for a test run, your contributions will directly accelerate our path to commercial fusion.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Your role combines conceptual design, development of modeling and analysis tools, and hands-on experimental work. You will contribute to instrumentation, testing, and software development activities across three primary domains:
- Instrumentation Design for Superconducting Devices
- Support the implementation of our testing protocols, helping instrument coils, set up measurement systems, and execute tests for reliable and precise data collection.
- Concept to Execution: Develop instrumentation concepts for testing tapes, conductors, and coils for QA purposes as well as in nominal and off-nominal conditions.
- Sensor Selection: Identify and source sensing technologies (temperature, strain, voltage taps) capable of functioning in high magnetic fields and cryogenic temperatures.
- Hands-on Implementation: Lead the delicate installation of sensors onto prototypes, ensuring data integrity in extreme conditions through proper schematics, wiring standards, and procedures.
- Test Stand Software & Hardware Development
- Design a scalable, modular test framework using DAQ hardware to automate experiments.
- Integrate and maintain the test-stand control and measurement stack, including PSUs and DAQ systems, ensuring reliable hardware-software interaction.
- Implement standardized data formats and live visualization tools (e.g., Grafana) for real-time analysis of results.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of test-stand hardware, from initial wiring and calibration to final commissioning.
- Advanced Sensor Innovation
- Research and develop sensor solutions necessary to qualify coil performance.
- Analyze measurement error sources to understand uncertainty and improve signal quality through calibration and acquisition strategies.
- Design and execute tests in high-field environments (exceeding 20 T) while supporting the development of fast analog signal acquisition systems.
WHO YOU ARE
We are seeking an engineer who thrives at the intersection of the digital and physical worlds.
- Background: Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a related field.
- The "Maker" Mindset: Comfortable with a soldering iron in one hand and a Python script in the other.
- Technical Breadth: Ideally, experience in at least two of the following: Sensors/Electronics, Data Acquisition, Cryogenics, or FPGA/Real-time systems.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a startup environment where the scope of activities can shift. Unique skills (like fiber optic splicing or high-vacuum experience) can be leveraged in the role.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.