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Proxima Fusion, Europe's fastest-growing and best-funded fusion company, is seeking an Automation Engineer to support the industrialisation of magnet production processes. As a spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, the company is developing hardware and infrastructure for the world's first commercial stellarator fusion power plant, backed by over €650M and operating across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford.
In this role, you will play a central role in designing, programming, and operating automation cells for magnet production, performing processes such as welding, bonding, sealing, and coating. You will work across the full spectrum of technical tasks—from design and engineering to hands-on production work—collaborating closely with engineers and technicians.
Key responsibilities include:
- Advising on future line design and automation concepts
- Defining requirements for automation cells to ensure performance, repeatability, and safe operation
- Contributing to control strategy development for new production lines
- Building and commissioning automation cells, including running FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) at supplier sites
- Identifying and testing manufacturing and in-process monitoring approaches
- Designing jigs and tools for industrialised magnet production
- Supporting process development and prototyping with scalability and repeatability in mind
- Collaborating across multiple teams
This is an opportunity to contribute directly to a breakthrough energy technology and solve some of the most complex engineering challenges in fusion, turning cutting-edge science into real hardware on the path to commercial fusion energy.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Master's degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or similar field
- Extensive experience in robotics, automation, and process monitoring in industrial settings
- Strong hands-on experience in production environments across a wide range of processes (welding, machining, assembly, bonding)
- Experience with robotic simulation and offline programming (e.g., RoboGuide, RobotStudio, Process Simulate); previous FANUC systems work is a plus
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, Ethernet, Profinet)
- Proficient in industrial-level PLC programming
- Ability to work across varied tasks in dynamic environments
- Reliable, proactive, solution-oriented mindset
- Strong team collaboration skills
- High performer who embraces challenges, experimentation, and learning from mistakes
NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience in both prototype and industrial manufacturing
- CAD proficiency (Catia V5 or 3DExperience)
- SCADA systems or MES integration exposure
- Beckhoff PLC and motion control familiarity
- Knowledge of safety standards and risk assessments in automated environments
