Optimization Scientist
Munich
Stellarator Optimization /
Full-time /
On-site
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.
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 and we're leveraging this technology with advanced computational design capabilities.
We're on a journey to redefine the energy landscape, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
We are seeking an outstanding Optimization Scientist to join our stellarator design team. As an Optimization Scientist, you will be responsible for investigating and implementing novel optimization strategies to define and explore the stellarator design space. Your work will directly impact the feasibility and performance of our stellarators, pushing the boundaries of fusion research within a high-performance team. Proxima Fusion is committed to publish its scientific results in order to accelerate the entire fusion ecosystem, openly collaborate with academic partners, and contribute to building public trust for fusion.
If you are:
- A strong background in Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering (Master’s or PhD), with a focus on real-world optimization problems;
- Proven expertise in solving constrained, multi-objective optimization problems involving numerous degrees of freedom;
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make well-informed decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment;
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team;
You will help us:
- Contribute to define and solve the stellarator optimization problem, managing non-linear, non-convex, and non-differentiable metrics to achieve robust coil geometries;
- Explore, prototype, and implement new methodologies from other fields that can be adapted for stellarator optimization;
- Collaborate closely with physics and engineering team members to rapidly integrate their insights and feedback into the optimization process;
- Serve as a focal point in adopting machine learning strategies, working closely with our AI team;
- Mentor Proxima Fusion team members in defining and solving optimization challenges, also beyond stellarator configurations.
In return, you will get:
- Fulfilling Mission: Work on harnessing the universe's fundamental energy source that powers the stars. If you want to contribute directly to transforming the way we produce energy in the world, Proxima is the place to be.
- Incredible Team: Join a mission-driven, team-oriented, excellence-seeking team from all over the globe. We're working on fusion to change the world and we thrive in a supportive and rewarding environment.
- World-Leading Partners: We are supported by internationally renowned groups, industrial companies and technical advisors with experience built on groundbreaking fusion experiments.
- Shared Success: Live the success of the company by taking part in a generous stock options program. We aim for every team member to feel a shared sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride.
- Healthy Environment: We take care of each other, while pushing ourselves to our best - we are on a marathon, not a sprint. We offer language courses for team members and their families. Every team member receives a ticket for free public transport in Munich and on all regional trains in Germany.
Proxima Fusion is firmly committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We embrace the principles of equality and stand against discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.
Our organizational culture values and promotes equal opportunities for everyone, recognizing that a diverse team brings a richness of perspectives and contributes to our overall success. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates with various backgrounds, talents, and potential. Our selection process is solely based on individual merit, ensuring fair and impartial consideration for all applicants.