Summer Student Position (Engineering/Physics)

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 IMPACTWe are seeking ambitious bachelor’s and master’s STEM students to join our fast-growing team this summer. This internship offers you hands-on involvement in technically complex, mission-driven projects—ranging from advanced plasma simulations and coil design to ML-augmented design methodologies under the mentorship of leading fusion scientists and engineers.
As a Summer 2025 Intern, you'll join our mission-driven team in Munich to work on real, technically complex challenges that accelerate our roadmap toward clean, abundant fusion energy. This is not a theoretical exercise. You'll contribute directly to the design, simulation, and optimization of systems critical to our prototype future net-energy stellarator, Alpha. Interns are treated as junior team members from day one—expected to think critically, write production-grade code, and collaborate across disciplines.
WHAT YOU WILL DODepending on your background and interests, you will be embedded in one of our core technical teams. Example projects include:
Stellarator Optimization:- Develop and validate Python/C++ tools to model QI stellarator equilibria.- Experiment with optimization strategies to define the next stellarator in Europe.- Collaborate with physicists and engineers to support design trade-off decisions across sub-systems.
Structural Analysis & Mechanical Design: - Perform finite element analyses (FEA) on coil support structures to ensure mechanical stability under high magnetic loads.- Assist in the design and prototyping of components using CAD software and simulation tools.
Machine Learning for Stellarator Design: - Prototype machine learning algorithms to enhance the stellarator design workflow.
Stellarator Design Platform Development: - Assist in building and maintaining the entire stack of our stellarator design and simulation framework, from cloud-based simulators to web-based user interfaces.- Work on ensuring that our researchers and engineers have a state-of-the-art developer experience. This includes integrating AI tools into workflows to accelerate and improve the quality of R&D efforts.- Collaborate with physicists and engineers to design and develop new workflows, automating and simplifying the integration of external tools.
WHO YOU AREWe are looking for high-potential students who are eager to contribute meaningfully in a short period. Ideal candidates have:
Academic Background: - Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Physics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field.- Strong coursework or research experience in areas such as electromagnetism, computational methods, or data science.- Knowledge in plasma physics and fusion is a plus.
Technical Skills: - Proficiency in Python; experience with C++ or Julia is a plus.- Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., CATIA) or FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS) is highly desirable.- Experience with Linux environments, Git, and version control workflows.
Personal Traits: - Intellectual curiosity and a continuous learning attitude.- Ability to scope (and de-scope) a problem, define priorities, set milestones, and follow through with minimal supervision.- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.- Passion for fusion energy and its potential impact on the future.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.