Alpha Cryogenics Engineer

Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and best-funded fusion player, and the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. Backed by over €650 million, the company is developing the hardware and infrastructure for the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant, advancing the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator concept through two next-generation machines, Alpha and Stellaris. This role develops the cryogenic plant and cooling systems for Alpha, Proxima’s scientific breakeven stellarator, integrating advanced cooling systems within the company’s ambitious build timeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyse 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’s cryogenic systems
• Collaborate closely with electromagnetic, mechanical and electrical engineers, magnet experts, and physicists
• Conduct performance analysis and troubleshooting of cryogenic systems
• Act as an expert customer for projects with external suppliers and partners, specifying and co-designing cryogenic systems for quality and speed

Requirements

Essential: experience in cryogenic plant design, commissioning and operation; a proven track record specifying and designing cryogenic cooling systems using both multi-physics and reduced-order modelling; experience validating cryogenic systems through a combination of simulation, testing and prototyping; demonstrated ability to lead external work packages and manage procurement projects; a team-player disposition suited to experimentation, risk-taking and learning from mistakes in a fast-moving environment.

Desirable: none specified in the source listing.