Technician

Ignite Next GmbH; Lavamünd; On-site; EUR 64,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Proxima Fusion in Europe is seeking a hands-on Workshop Technician to support magnet prototype manufacturing, assembly and testing in our Villigen & Böttstein workshops. You will work closely with engineers to turn designs into real hardware for the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion plant.

The role emphasizes machining, wiring and assembly in a fast-paced R&D environment, with a strong focus on safety, quality and ownership of tasks.

Qualifications

• Technical training in mechanical engineering or related field.
• Hands-on workshop experience in machining, wiring and assembly.
• Ability to read drawings and follow technical documentation.
• Safety-conscious with strong quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on workshop activities including machining, mechanical assembly, wiring and installation of components.
• Build, test and iterate on mechanical/electromechanical prototypes from early-stage designs.
• Support manufacturing, integration and troubleshooting of magnet prototype components and assemblies.
• Assist with setup, fitting and modification of parts during prototype construction and testing.
• Contribute to installation and operation of experimental setups and test rigs.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians for rapid prototyping and iteration cycles.
• Maintain a clean, organized workshop and lab environment.

Skills

Hands-on workshop experience

Reading drawings

Machining

Wiring

English proficiency

Team player

Problem solving

Quality and precision

Education

Technical training in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

CNC machining

Manual machining

Electrical test equipment

Job description

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

• Architect a breakthrough energy technology – Play a defining role in designing and integrating the systems that will power the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion plant, influencing decisions that shape the future of clean energy.

• Solve some of the most complex engineering challenges in fusion – Work across magnet design, HTS technology, manufacturing, structural integration, and controls, turning cutting-edge science into real hardware.

• Move fast and build what matters – Join a highly ambitious, multidisciplinary team that combines cutting-edge simulation with hands-on engineering, turning bold ideas into real hardware on the path to commercial fusion.

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 technician, you’ll be at the center of our operations in our workshops based in Villigen & Böttstein.

You will support the manufacturing and integration of magnet prototypes and experimental setups, contributing directly to the execution of key activities within Proxima’s magnet program.

You will play a central role in workshop operations, enabling efficient prototype construction through hands‑on work in machining, assembly, and installation. Your contribution will be critical in maintaining execution pace during periods of high activity.

You will operate across a wide range of technical tasks, supporting both manufacturing and experimental work, and collaborating closely with engineers and other technicians to ensure successful delivery of prototype systems.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Perform hands‑on workshop activities including machining, mechanical assembly, wiring, and installation of components
• Build, test, and iterate on mechanical and electromechanical prototypes from early‑stage designs
• Support the manufacturing, integration, and troubleshooting of magnet prototype components and assemblies
• Assist with the setup, fitting, adjustment, and modification of parts during prototype construction and testing
• Contribute to the installation, operation, and modification of experimental setups and test rigs
• Collaborate closely with engineers and technicians to enable rapid prototyping and iteration cycles
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workshop and lab environment

WHO YOU ARE

• Technical training in mechanical engineering, polymechanics, or a related field, with strong hands‑on experience in workshop environments (machining, assembly, installation)
• Comfortable working with tools, machines, and mechanical systems, including machining, wiring, mechanical assembly, and basic test/calibration equipment
• Comfortable reading drawings and technical documentation
• Detail‑oriented and safety‑conscious, with a strong commitment to quality and precision
• Practical, hands‑on problem solver with strong craftsmanship; able to work independently and collaboratively
• Reliable and proactive, with a solution‑oriented mindset and strong sense of ownership
• Adaptable and flexible; able to work across a variety of tasks in fast‑paced, evolving technical or R&D environments
• Strong team player with good communication skills; able to collaborate closely with engineers and technicians; good English required (German is a plus)

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience in welding
• Experience in prototype manufacturing or R&D environments
• Familiarity with machining processes (CNC and/or manual)
• Experience with mechanical installation and system integration
• Experience with vacuum technology

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Recruiter Interview (30-60 min)
• Technical Screening (30 min)
• Practical On‑site

*This role sits at L2 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.