Alpha Cryogenics Engineer

Ignite Next GmbH; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Proxima Fusion in Oxford is developing the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. We are building the cryogenic plant, cooling systems, and infrastructure required to realize Alpha and deliver on ambitious timelines.

You will apply multi-physics and first principles to design, simulate, validate, and integrate cryogenic systems, working with plasma physics, magnet experts, and engineers to ship robust hardware.

Qualifications

• Experience in cryogenic plant design, commissioning and operation.
• Proven ability to specify and design cryogenic cooling systems using multi-physics modelling and reduced-order modelling.
• Experience validating cryogenic systems through simulations, testing and prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze integrated cooling systems for the Alpha stellarator and wider cryogenic plant, conducting trade studies between components.
• Use first principles reasoning and simulation to detail and validate the design of Alpha cryogenic systems.
• Collaborate closely with electromagnetic, mechanical and electrical engineers, magnet experts, and physicists.
• Conduct performance analysis and troubleshooting of cryogenic systems.
• Identify and act as an expert customer for projects with external suppliers and partners to specify and co-design cryogenic systems with the highest quality and speed.

Skills

Cryogenic design

Commissioning

System integration

Multi-physics modelling

Reduced-order modelling

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.

BY JOINING OUR TEAM YOU’LL GET TO

• Shape the architecture of the world’s first commercial fusion power plant – Own system-level decisions that determine how a first-of-a-kind energy technology is designed, integrated, and ultimately deployed at scale.

• Solve some of the most complex engineering challenges – Work across tightly coupled disciplines (plasma physics, magnets, cryogenics, manufacturing, controls, and more) to resolve critical trade-offs and turn cutting-edge science into a functioning product.

• Design real hardware with a pragmatic, fast-moving team from all over the world – Combine advanced simulation and systems thinking with a strong execution mindset, focusing on practical engineering solutions that accelerate the path to commercial fusion energy.

YOUR IMPACT

Develop the cryogenic plant and cooling systems for Proxima’s scientific breakeven stellarator, Alpha. This role demands systems thinking, simulation and modelling skills, technical judgement, and the ability to make impactful design decisions. Your deep expertise in thermal analysis and cryogenic plant design will be critical to integrate the advanced cooling systems required to realize Alpha within the ambitious Proxima timelines.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Design and analyze integrated cooling systems for the Alpha stellarator and wider cryogenic plant, conducting trade studies between components.

• Use first principles reasoning and simulation to detail and validate the design of Alpha cryogenic systems.

• Collaborate closely with electromagnetic, mechanical and electrical engineers, magnet experts, and physicists.

• Conduct performance analysis and troubleshooting of cryogenic systems.

• Identify and act as an expert customer for projects with external suppliers and partners to specify and co-design cryogenic systems with the highest quality and speed.

WHO YOU ARE

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

• Experience in cryogenic plant design, commissioning, and operation.

• Proven track record in specifying and designing cryogenic cooling systems using both multi-physics and reduced-order modelling.

• Experience validating cryogenic systems through a combination of simulations, testing, and prototyping.

• Demonstrated ability to lead external work packages and manage procurement projects.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Recruiter Interview (30-60 min)

• Technical Screening (30 min)

• Technical Panel (3x60 min)

• CEO call (30 min)

This role sits at L2/L3 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.