Engineering Program Manager
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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
You will work alongside the Alpha Engineering Design Team Lead to support and scale the team of talented and high-performing engineers that will deliver Proxima’s scientific breakeven stellarator, Alpha. You will design and embed innovative ways of working that drive speed, clarity, and creativity, while cultivating a culture of trust and high performance. Through strategic partnerships, planning excellence, and the expansion of Proxima’s UK presence at Culham, you will position the team at the heart of the UK fusion ecosystem.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Support and scale the Alpha engineering team - grow capabilities, embed Proxima’s values, and foster a culture of trust and high performance.
Design and implement world-class ways of working - create the tools, processes, and communication channels that accelerate delivery while keeping the team agile and innovative.
Drive excellence in planning and execution - introduce clear, effective methodologies that maximize quality and speed without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Forge and lead strategic partnerships - build collaboration with design, testing, and prototyping partners to validate the Alpha stellarator and strengthen its supply chain.
Expand Proxima’s UK presence - help us grow the Culham office, deepen collaboration with UKAEA, and actively engage in the UK Fusion Cluster to position Proxima at the heart of the UK fusion ecosystem.
WHO YOU ARE
High performers with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, who thrive in uncertainty, embrace bold challenges, and see experimentation and risk-taking as essential to breakthrough innovation.
A track record of driving complex programs, combining deep expertise with the ability to align people, processes, and partnerships to deliver transformative outcomes.
Proactive collaborators eager to support rapidly growing multidisciplinary teams while cultivating trust, openness, and a shared sense of mission.
A proven ability to design and implement processes and communication systems that supercharge delivery and unlock creativity without adding bureaucracy.
Experienced partnership builders adept at shaping supply chains, forging collaborative relationships, and managing diverse portfolios of technically complex contracts.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
Recruiter Interview (30-60 min)
Technical Screening (30 min)
Technical Panel (3x60 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.
About Proxima Fusion
Proxima Fusion was founded in April 2023 as a spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, bringing together scientists and engineers from IPP, MIT, and X Development. Co-founded by Dr Francesco Sciortino (CEO, PhD in plasma physics from MIT) and Dr Lucio Milanese (COO, PhD in theoretical plasma physics from MIT, formerly McKinsey), the company is developing quasi-isodynamic stellarators combined with high-temperature superconducting magnets to build the world's first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Proxima has partnered with RWE and the Free State of Bavaria on a planned €2B facility near Munich. The company has raised €200M to date, including a Series A led by Cherry Ventures and Balderton Capital with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Plural, and others. Proxima maintains a UK presence at the Culham Campus and a London-registered entity.