Instrumentation & Test Engineer - Superconducting Magnets

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 - Impact: Work on the literal frontier of energy science. - Environment: Be embedded within the PSI ecosystem, collaborating with some of the world’s leading experts in superconductivity. - Flexibility: As an early hire in this department, you will have a significant say in the tools we use and the culture we build. YOUR IMPACT At Proxima Fusion, we are designing the first generation of fusion power plants to provide the world with clean, carbon-free energy. The heart of our reactor lies in its superconducting coils. These magnets must operate in extreme environments - near absolute zero temperatures and under massive mechanical stress. We are looking for a versatile engineer to join our team at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). You will be responsible for developing the instrumentation and testing infrastructure that allows us to validate our magnet prototypes. Whether you are selecting a sensor for a cryogenic environment or coding the real-time dashboard for a test run, your work will directly accelerate the path to commercial fusion. WHAT YOU WILL DO Your role combines conceptual design, development of modeling and analysis tools, and hands-on experimental work. You will contribute to instrumentation, testing, and software development activities across three primary domains: 1. Instrumentation Design for Superconducting Devices You will support the implementation of our testing protocols, helping instrument coils, set up measurement systems, and execute tests to ensure reliable and precise data collection. - Concept to Execution: Develop instrumentation concepts for testing tapes, conductors and coils for QA purposes as well as in nominal and off-nominal conditions. - Sensor Selection: Identify and source sensing technologies (temperature, strain, voltage taps) capable of surviving high magnetic fields and cryogenic temperatures. - Hands-on Implementation: Lead the delicate installation of sensors onto prototypes. You’ll be responsible for the schematics, wiring standards, and procedures that ensure data integrity in extreme conditions. 2. Test Stand Software & Hardware Development Building the magnet is only half the battle; building the system that listens to it is the other. - Framework Architecture: Design a scalable, modular test framework using DAQ hardware to automate experiments. - Systems Integration: Integrate and maintain the test-stand control and measurement stack, including PSUs, DAQ systems, and synchronization hardware. This includes developing communication interfaces, coordinating device operation, and ensuring reliable interaction between hardware and software. - Data Strategy: Implement standardized data formats and live visualization tools (e.g., Grafana) so our physics team can analyze results in real-time. - Commissioning: Oversee the full lifecycle of test-stand hardware, from initial wiring and calibration to final commissioning. 3. Advanced Sensor Innovation You will push the boundaries of how we "see" inside a high-field magnet. - Next-Gen Solutions: Research and develop sensor solutions necessary to qualify coil performance. - Signal Integrity: Analyze measurement error sources such as linearity, drift, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) to understand measurement uncertainty and improve signal quality through appropriate calibration, filtering, and acquisition strategies. - High-Field Testing: Design and execute tests in high-field environments (exceeding 20 T). Support the development of fast analog signal acquisition or FPGA-based and processing systems used to capture and analyze experimental data. WHO YOU ARE We are looking for an engineer who enjoys the bridge between the digital and physical worlds. - Background: Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a related field. - The "Maker" Mindset: You are comfortable with a soldering iron in one hand and a Python script in the other. - Technical Breadth: Ideally, you have experience in at least two of the following: Sensors/Electronics, Data Acquisition, Cryogenics, or FPGA/Real-time systems. - Adaptability: You thrive in a startup environment where the scope of activities can shift. If you have a unique skill (like fiber optic splicing or high-vacuum experience), we can adjust the role to leverage it. 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.