Materials Lead Engineer

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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. We are also advancing stellarator optimization, powered by cutting‑edge computation and machine‑learning, unlocking higher‑performance design points with high‑temperature superconducting magnets.

• 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.

As a Materials Engineer experienced in fusion‑relevant materials and their joining and manufacture, you will provide the expertise required to select the materials for the Proxima net energy stellarator, Alpha. Through external collaborations and internal prototyping and testing, you will lead the selection and verification of the materials, manufacturing, and joining techniques that will enable the delivery of Alpha within the ambitious Proxima timelines.

• Provide recommendations for the Alpha core stellarator systems’ materials through detailed reviews of materials, joining and component manufacturing processes, and close collaboration with Alpha system designers. This includes structural, shielding, coating, plasma‑facing, high‑temperature, and cryogenic materials.
• Manage and act as an expert customer for external contracts to deliver data and materials, joining and manufacturing demonstrations required to design and operate the Alpha stellarator.
• Own, populate and maintain the Proxima materials database, ensuring the data is traceable, verified, and sufficient to enable the demonstration of net energy during Alpha operations.
• Lead the Alpha materials qualification and verification strategy.

• High performers who love challenges and are not afraid to experiment, take risks and learn from mistakes.
• Experienced materials engineers with the ability to make materials recommendations for a broad range of environments and system requirements, ideally with a background in fusion‑relevant materials including high temperature, high‑energy neutrons, plasma facing, cryogenic, and vacuum.
• Experience in materials characterisation, testing and prototyping to obtain material properties and/or verify joining and manufacturing techniques.
• Knowledge of materials standards and the methods needed to qualify materials.
• Demonstrated ability to manage contracted external work packages within multidisciplinary technical teams in fast‑paced, dynamic settings.
• This role is for Oxford or Munich.

• Recruiter Interview (30–60 min).
• Technical Screening (30 min).
• Technical Panel (3×60 min).
• CEO call (30 min).

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

Electric Power Generation

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 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.