Materials Lead Engineer

Proxima Fusion; Town of Oxford; Hybrid; CAD 92,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fusion technology company in Oxford is searching for a Materials Engineer to select and verify materials for the Alpha stellarator project. This position involves collaboration with system designers and managing external contracts, ensuring that all materials meet the necessary specifications for high-performance and safety. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fusion-relevant materials and project management experience, contributing to a bold mission in clean energy innovation.

Benefits

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology

Collaboration with experts in the field

Influence on the future of sustainable energy

Qualifications

• Experience in fusion-relevant materials including high temperature, cryogenic, and plasma facing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide recommendations for Alpha core systems materials.
• Lead the selection and verification of materials and techniques.
• Manage external contracts for materials data and demonstrations.
• Maintain the Proxima materials database.

Skills

Materials recommendations

Materials characterisation

Testing and prototyping

Knowledge of materials standards

Project management

Education

Degree in Materials Engineering or equivalent

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 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 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

As a Materials Engineer experienced in both the properties of fusion‑relevant materials and their joining and manufacture, you will provide the expertise required to select the materials for the Proxima net energy stellarator, Alpha. Through external collaborations and internal prototyping and testing, you will lead the selection and verification of the materials, manufacturing and joining techniques that will enable the delivery of Alpha within the ambitious Proxima timelines.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide recommendations for the Alpha core stellarator systems materials through detailed reviews of the materials, joining and component manufacturing processes, and close collaboration with Alpha system designers. This will include structural, shielding, coating, plasma facing, high temperature and and cryogenic materials

• Manage and act as an expert customer for external contracts to deliver the data and materials, joining and manufacturing demonstrations required to design and operate the Alpha stellarator.

• Own, populate and maintain the Proxima materials database, ensuring that the data is traceable, verified, and sufficient to enable the demonstration of net energy during Alpha operations.

• Lead the Alpha materials qualification and verification strategy.

WHO YOU ARE

• High performers who love challenges and are not afraid to experiment, take risks and learn from mistakes.

• Experienced materials engineers with the ability to make materials recommendations for a broad range of environments and system requirements. You will ideally have a background in fusion‑relevant materials, including some or all of the following environments: high temperature, high‑energy neutrons, plasma facing, cryogenic and vacuum.

• Experience in materials characterisation, testing and prototyping to obtain material properties and/or verify joining and manufacturing techniques.

• Knowledge of materials standards and the methods needed to qualify materials.

• Demonstrated ability to manage contracted external work packages within multidisciplinary technical teams in fast‑paced, dynamic settings.

*This role is for Oxford or Munich

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Recruiter Interview (30-60 min).

• Technical Screening (30 min).

• Technical Panel (3x60 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.