Superconducting Magnet Engineer

Gauss Fusion; München; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gauss Fusion seeks a Superconducting Magnet Engineer with deep expertise in applied superconductivity and LTS/HTS materials to lead magnet design efforts for next-generation fusion systems.

You will define cable designs, winding procedures, and quench protection concepts, mentor a design team, and help bring demountable coils toward baseline implementation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics or electrical/mechanical engineering.
• IEEE membership or PhD/Dr.-Ing preferred.
• 5+ years experience in applied superconductivity for magnet design.
• Experience in commissioning large superconducting magnets.
• Familiar with IEEE, ASME, DIN, ISO or BS codes.
• Proficient in using superconductivity, thermohydraulic and electromagnetic codes.

Responsibilities

• Define cable designs for high current conductors for LTS and HTS.
• Define winding/lay-up procedures for three-dimensional coils for stellarators.
• Assess magnet quench protection and insulation options and trade-offs.
• Oversee demountable coils program and demonstrator coil manufacturing.
• Assess industrial capabilities for superconducting material manufacture.
• Prepare technical specifications for cables and coils manufacturing studies.
• Define qualification program for superconducting conductors and coils.

Skills

Applied superconductivity

Magnet design

Team leadership

Project management

Education

Master's degree in physics or electrical/mechanical engineering

IEEE membership or PhD/Dr.-Ing preferred

Tools

Superconductor analysis codes

Thermohydraulic codes

Electromagnetic field codes

Job description

The superconducting magnet system is at the core of the Stellarator-based Fusion Power Plant that GFG is designing. The superconductor technology, from the choice of material (either LTS or HTS) to the associated thermal protection and winding pack configuration, will have a major role in the choice of the machine configuration.

GFG has developed innovative proprietary technologies for superconducting magnets, applicable to HTS and LTS materials and to both stellarator and tokamak fusion devices. These are now passing successfully through the 'proof of principal' stage and will enter the prototyping phase next year.

GFG is looking for a Superconducting Magnet Engineer with experience in applied superconductivity and the use of LTS/HTS materials in practical magnets. He/she will be familiar with the particular design issues of superconducting and insulator materials and the associated technologies needed to make large and reliable magnets and will have operated/commissioned superconducting magnets. The engineer will eventually lead a team of designers and analysts to develop and qualify the detailed design and follow the superconductor and coil manufacturing. There will be opportunities to increase the readiness level of novel technologies such as demountable coils as well as to contribute further innovations. Manage the GFG magnet design activities related to the superconducting components and associate technologies:

• Define cable designs for high current conductors for LTS and HTS materials;
• Define winding/lay-up procedures for the three-dimensional coils needed for stellarators and investigate possible constraints;
• Assess the options for magnet quench protection and insulation/non insulation and provide the trade offs as they will impact the basic machine design, manufacture, operation and reliability. Defines technology readiness and programs needed to bring to implement in the baseline design;
• Follow up the GF program for demountable coils and as appropriate oversee the manufacture of demonstrator coils and the implementation of the technology in the magnet system baseline design;
• Assess industrial capabilities for superconducting material manufacture and potential impact on GF power plant construction;
• Prepare technical specifications for manufacturing studies on cables and coils, places the contracts and follows up the results;
• Define and implement a qualification program for the superconducting aspects of the conductors and coils, through conductor samples and model coils. Ensures appropriate facilities are available for the testing.

• At least a good master's degree or equivalent in the physics, electrical or mechanical engineering fields;
• Professional recognition through full membership of an Institution such as IEEE (and its CAS) or equivalent, or completion of a PhD/Dr.-Ing in a relevant engineering or applied physics area;
• Technical experience:
  1. At least 5 years’ experience in applied superconductivity for magnet design and manufacture;
  2. Experience in commissioning/experimental operation of a large superconducting magnet;
  3. Demonstrated familiarity with relevant parts of electrical and mechanical design codes such as IEEE, ASME, DIN, ISO or BS;
  4. Use of superconductor analysis codes for calculation of temperature margin and quench. Use of thermohydraulic codes for cooling calculations and electromagnetic codes for field evaluations.