Engineering Program Manager

Stryker Corporation; Town of Oxford; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A clean energy technology company is seeking a talented individual to support the Alpha engineering design team in scaling operations. This role involves designing effective methodologies, fostering a culture of trust, and driving strategic partnerships within the UK fusion ecosystem. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, a track record in managing complex partnerships, and a proactive approach to collaboration. Join us to work on the forefront of sustainable energy technology.

Qualifications

• High performers comfortable with uncertainty and bold challenges.
• Proven track record of driving complex programmes.
• Collaborative team player supporting multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Support and scale the Alpha engineering team.
• Design innovative ways of working and communication.
• Drive excellence in planning and execution of projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration

Programme management

Process design

Job description

WHO WE ARE

At Proxima Fusion, we’re 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.

What’s more, our work in stellarator optimisation, 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’re 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’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

You will work alongside the Alpha Engineering Design Team Lead to support and scale the team of talented and high‑performing engineers that will deliver Proxima’s scientific breakeven stellarator, Alpha. You will design and embed innovative ways of working that drive speed, clarity, and creativity, while cultivating a culture of trust and high performance. Through strategic partnerships, planning excellence, and the expansion of Proxima’s UK presence at Culham, you will position the team at the heart of the UK fusion ecosystem.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Support and scale the Alpha engineering team – grow capabilities, embed Proxima’s values, and foster a culture of trust and high performance.
• Design and implement world‑class ways of working – create the tools, processes, and communication channels that accelerate delivery while keeping the team agile and innovative.
• Drive excellence in planning and execution – introduce clear, effective methodologies that maximise quality and speed without unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Forge and lead strategic partnerships – build collaboration with design, testing, and prototyping partners to validate the Alpha stellarator and strengthen its supply chain.
• Expand Proxima’s UK presence – help us grow the Culham office, deepen collaboration with UKAEA, and actively engage in the UK Fusion Cluster to position Proxima at the heart of the UK fusion ecosystem.

WHO YOU ARE

• High performers with exceptional communication and problem‑solving skills, who thrive in uncertainty, embrace bold challenges, and see experimentation and risk‑taking as essential to breakthrough innovation.
• A track record of driving complex programmes, combining deep expertise with the ability to align people, processes, and partnerships to deliver transformative outcomes.
• Proactive collaborators eager to support rapidly growing multidisciplinary teams while cultivating trust, openness, and a shared sense of mission.
• A proven ability to design and implement processes and communication systems that supercharge delivery and unlock creativity without adding bureaucracy.
• Experienced partnership builders adept at shaping supply chains, forging collaborative relationships, and managing diverse portfolios of technically complex contracts.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Recruiter Interview (30‑60 min)
• Technical Screening (30 min)
• Technical Panel (3×60 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.