Alpha Plasma Microwave Modeler

Fusion Energy Base; München; Vor Ort; EUR 70.000 - 110.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Proxima Fusion in Munich seeks a PhD‑level Plasma Physicist to lead physics simulations bridging gyrotron sources and plasma performance. You will optimize millimeter‑wave heating, interface RF engineering and systems design with researchers and external partners.

The role requires deep expertise in EC propagation/absorption codes, Python scripting, and legacy Fortran/C/C++ code. You will work in a cross‑disciplinary team advancing fusion hardware and data‑driven design decisions.

Qualifikationen

• PhD (or equivalent) in plasma physics, with focus on plasma‑wave interactions or RF heating.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one EC propagation or absorption code.
• Proficiency in Python for simulation scripting, data analysis, and visualization; comfortable with legacy Fortran or C/C++ code.
• Systems‑thinking mindset and ability to translate physics outputs into engineering requirements.
• Strong team player, able to collaborate across physics and engineering disciplines.

Aufgaben

• Run ray‑tracing and beam‑tracing simulations of EC wave propagation and absorption using codes such as TRAVIS, RAYTRAX and others.
• Develop an integrated modeling framework coupling wave deposition to transport codes for temperature and density profile optimization.
• Build and maintain Python‑based post‑processing pipelines to automate scenario scanning and interface outputs with the design framework.
• Model ECCD and assess its impact on rotational transform and equilibrium in the Alpha quasi‑isodynamic configuration.
• Contribute to design reviews, interface control documents, and technical reports to ensure traceability of results.

Kenntnisse

Plasma physics

Python scripting

RF heating

EC wave interactions

Ausbildung

PhD in plasma physics

Tools

TRAVIS

TORBEAM

C3PO

IPF-FD3D

Jobbeschreibung

WHO WE ARE

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 Wendelstein7‑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.

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 will join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. Show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent.

YOUR IMPACT

As the Alpha Plasma Microwave Modeler, you will own the physics simulation pipeline that connects our gyrotron sources to plasma performance. You will model the propagation, polarization, and absorption of millimeter waves in the Alpha stellarator, guiding the design choices that determine how effectively we heat the plasma. You will sit at the interface between plasma physics, RF engineering, and systems design, working closely with the ECRH design lead, electromagnetic engineers, and academic partners to ensure that simulation insight drives hardware decisions. You will establish the simulation baseline by running ray‑tracing and beam‑tracing codes across the Alpha operating space, validating these against W7‑X experimental data so that the results can drive the design of the Alpha ECRH launcher and gyrotron designs.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Run ray‑tracing and beam‑tracing simulations of EC wave propagation and absorption using codes such as TRAVIS, RAYTRAX and more complex beam or full‑wave model codes.
• Develop an integrated modeling framework that couples wave deposition to transport codes, enabling temperature and density profile optimization and validation of the heating scenario performance.
• Build and maintain Python‑based post‑processing pipelines to automate scenario scanning and interface simulation outputs with the Alpha integrated design framework.
• Model Electron Cyclotron Current Drive (ECCD) and assess its ability to modify rotational transform and equilibrium in the Alpha quasi‑isodynamic configuration.
• Contribute to design reviews, interface control documents, and technical reports to ensure simulation results are traceable and actionable.

WHO YOU ARE

• PhD (or equivalent) in plasma physics, applied physics, or a related field, with a focus on plasma‑wave interactions or RF heating of magnetically confined plasmas.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one EC propagation or absorption code (TRAVIS, TORBEAM, C3PO, IPF‑FD3D, or similar).
• Proficiency in Python for simulation scripting, data analysis, and visualization; comfort reading and modifying legacy Fortran or C/C++ code.
• Systems‑thinking mindset: able to translate physics outputs into engineering requirements and hardware constraints.
• Strong team player, comfortable working across physics and engineering disciplines and with external academic partners.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Recruiter Interview (30‑60 min)
2. Technical Screening (30 min)
3. Technical Panel (3×60 min)
4. Additional level‑specific inquiries (role sits at Level2 of our framework; please inquire for further details).

At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. We call for a high‑performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. 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.