Tritium Fuel Cycle Lead

Proxima Fusion; Oxford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Proxima Fusion in Oxford is seeking a leader for the tritium fuel cycle systems of its scientific breakeven stellarator, Alpha. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and integrating complex fuel cycle systems, requiring a deep understanding of fusion technology and strong collaborative skills.

This role demands leadership in specifications, partnerships, and accountancy related to tritium. Join a mission-driven team poised to make clean energy a reality.

Qualifications

• Visionary team player capable of leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Deep understanding of fusion fuel cycles, especially tritium management.
• Proven success in procuring and commissioning tritium equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and integration of tritium fuel cycle systems for Alpha.
• Own contracts and partnerships for the Alpha fuel cycle.
• Develop and lead tritium accountancy in Alpha.
• Provide expert input to the Alpha safety case.
• Build an inclusive team and collaborate with suppliers.

Skills

Tritium gas exhaust processing

Systems thinking

Technical judgement

Collaboration with suppliers

Fusion fuel cycles

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

• Lead the design and integration of the tritium fuel cycle systems for Proxima’s scientific breakeven stellarator, Alpha. This role demands systems thinking, technical judgement, and the ability to foster strong collaborations with suppliers. Your deep expertise designing and operating tritium equipment will be critical to ensure that Alpha can be built, operated and meet its performance goals within the ambitious Proxima timelines.

What You Will Do

• Lead the specification of the tritium fuel cycle equipment required to operate the Alpha stellarator including exhaust gas processing, tritium storage, tritium accountancy and tritium fueling.
• Own and develop the industry contracts and partnerships required to deliver the Alpha fuel cycle.
• Develop and lead on tritium accountancy in Alpha including quantification of tritium permeation and retention; and its impact on the Alpha plant and program.
• Technically lead first principles reasoning, modelling, tests and prototyping to detail and validate the design of the Alpha fuel cycle system.
• Provide expert input to the Alpha safety case related to tritium containment best practice.
• Build an innovative and inclusive team within Proxima and strong collaborations with external suppliers, to achieve the ambitious Alpha milestones.

Who You Are

• Visionary team player with the ability to lead internal and external work packages within multidisciplinary technical teams in fast‑paced, dynamic settings.
• Deep understanding of fusion fuel cycles, with knowledge of tritium gas exhaust processing, separation, storage, accountancy and containment.
• Proven success in procuring and commissioning tritium equipment.
• Experience developing and owning tritium accountancy frameworks, including quantification of permeation and retention.
• Experience validating fuel cycles systems through a combination of simulations, testing, and prototyping.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Recruiter Interview (30-60 min)
• Technical Screening (30 min)
• Technical Panel (3x60 min)
• CEO call (30 min)
• This role sits at "LvL 4 out of 6" 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.