Automation Engineer – Magnet Industrialisation

Ignite Next GmbH; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Proxima Fusion seeks a highly capable Automation Engineer to architect and integrate systems powering the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion plant. You will influence line design, robotics deployment, and automation strategies across magnet production and related processes.

You will work hands-on within a multidisciplinary team, translating advanced physics and engineering concepts into scalable hardware and software solutions, embracing fast iteration and rigorous validation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical, mechatronics or similar engineering field.
• Wide experience in robotics, automation and process monitoring in an industrial setting.
• Strong hands-on experience in production environments across multiple processes (e.g., welding, machining, assembly, bonding).
• Experience with robotic simulation and offline programming (e.g., RoboGuide, RobotStudio, Process Simulate).
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, Ethernet, Profinet).
• Proficiency in industrial PLC programming.

Responsibilities

• Advise on future line design and automation concepts.
• Define requirements for automation cells to ensure performance and safety.
• Develop control strategies for new production lines.
• Build and commission automation cells and perform FAT at supplier sites.
• Test different manufacturing and in-process monitoring approaches.
• Design jigs and tools for magnet production.

Skills

Robotics

Automation engineering

Process monitoring

Production environments

Robotic simulation

Offline programming

Education

Master's degree in mechanical or mechatronics

Tools

RoboGuide

RobotStudio

Process Simulate

Catia V5

3DExperience

Beckhoff PLC

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 & 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

  You will support the industrialisation of production processes for magnet production, contributing directly to the execution of key activities within Proxima’s magnet program.

  You will play a central role in designing, programming and operating automation cells performing a wide array of production processes such as welding, bonding, sealing and coating.

  You will operate across a wide range of technical tasks, from design and engineering to hands on production work, and collaborating closely with engineers and technicians.

  WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Advise on future line design and automation concepts
  • Define the requirements for automation cells for different processes to ensure performance, repeatability and safe operation
  • Contribute to the development of control strategies for new production lines
  • You will build and commission automation cells, including running FAT at supplier sites
  • Identify and test different manufacturing and in-process monitoring approaches
  • Design jigs and tools for magnet industrialised production
  • Support in the process development and prototyping of magnets, with scalability and repeatability in mind.
  • Collaborate closely with engineers and technicians across multiple teams

  WHO YOU ARE

  • A master´s degree in mechanical, mechatronics or similar engineering field
  • A wide experience in robotics, automation and process monitoring in an industrial setting
  • Strong hands-on experience in production environments over a wide range of production processes (for ex. welding, machining, assembly, bonding)
  • Experience with robotic simulation and offline programming (e.g. RoboGuide, RobotStudio, Process Simulate). Previous work on FANUC systems is a plus
  • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, Ethernet, Profinet)
  • Proficient in industrial-level PLC programming
  • Ability to work across a variety of tasks in a dynamic environment
  • Reliable, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset
  • Strong team player, able to collaborate closely with engineers and technical staff
  • A high performer who loves challenges and is not afraid to experiment, take risks and learn from mistakes.

  NICE TO HAVE

  • Familiarity in both prototype manufacturing and industrial manufacturing
  • Proficiency in CAD: good knowledge of Catia V5 or 3DExperience are considered as a plus
  • Exposure to SCADA systems or MES integration
  • Familiarity with Beckhoff PLC and motion control
  • Knowledge of safety standards and risk assessments in automated environments

  INTERVIEW PROCESS

  • Recruiter Interview (30-60 min)
  • Technical Screening (30 min)
  • Technical Panel (3x60 min)

  *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.