Computational Engineer

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

Our approach to stellarator design is rooted in parametric geometry defined in code, differentiable models, and fully automated analysis pipelines. It is a departure from how complex machines have historically been engineered. As a Computational Engineer, you will be a key contributor to this approach. You will own the software that defines stellarator geometry, automates multi-physics analysis, and makes complex 3D shapes optimisable. You'll use your combined understanding of engineering and computation to push the boundaries of what can be designed. You will develop new geometric representations, formulate optimisation problems, and find solutions to engineering challenges that don't have textbook answers. Sitting at the intersection of mathematics, software, and mechanical engineering, you will have direct influence over the design of the machine itself.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Define stellarator geometry in code. Develop and maintain parametric representations of 3D components: Fourier surfaces, B-spline curves, swept cross-sections, covering everything from plasma-facing walls to superconducting coil winding packs.

• Make designs differentiable. Build JAX-based geometric and physics models so that quantities like coil clearances, structural loads, and manufacturing constraints can be optimised with gradient-based methods rather than manual iteration.

• Automate engineering pipelines. Own the code path from parametric description to CAD (e.g. CadQuery) to mesh (e.g. Gmsh) to simulation (e.g. FEA, neutronics, magnetostatics) to post-processing, with cloud execution.

• Implement algorithms for complex 3D geometry (e.g. signed distance functions, kd-tree spatial queries, adaptive sampling, and collision detection)

• Work across disciplines. Collaborate directly with mechanical engineers and simulation specialists to understand how they need to consume geometric data, then deliver the data structures, metrics, and CAD assemblies that support their work.

• Enable parametric design exploration. Build workflows for design sweeps, sensitivity analyses, and multi-objective optimisation that let the team evaluate many design variants systematically.

WHO YOU ARE

• Strong fundamentals in mathematics and engineering: linear algebra, geometry, numerical methods, mechanics.

• Experience solving engineering or scientific problems in Python. Comfort with Git and an appreciation for well-tested, well-typed code.

• Familiarity with computational geometry, CAD-as-code, or parametric modelling. Experience with B-splines/NURBS, Fourier representations, mesh generation, or finite element methods is valuable but not required.

• Exposure to automatic differentiation (JAX, PyTorch, or similar), or a genuine interest in learning. We define geometry entirely in code and differentiability is central to how we optimise.

• The ability to communicate across disciplines. You'll work daily with plasma physicists, mechanical engineers, and software engineers, translating between domains is a core part of the job.

• Curiosity and a bias toward action. We value people from all backgrounds who are motivated by hard technical problems and want to see their work have real impact.

• Demonstrated problem solving ability and learning velocity; level of professional experience is not important.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Recruiter Interview (30-60 min)

• Technical Screening (30 min)

• Case Study & Review

• Technical Panel (2x60 min)

• CEO call (30 min)

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.