Magnet Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Magnet Prototyping Engineer

Company: Proxima Fusion

Location: Zürich, Switzerland (with work at Villigen and Böttstein labs)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering - Hardware & Prototyping

Date Posted: 2026-09-24

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design, fabrication, and iterative improvement of superconducting magnet components, specifically focusing on joint and cable technologies for advanced fusion power systems.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering to translate complex scientific concepts into tangible hardware prototypes.

• Engage in hands-on prototyping, assembly, and testing within laboratory and workshop environments, ensuring rigorous validation of developed components.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of manufacturing processes and tooling essential for the mass production of high-performance superconducting magnets.

• Play a pivotal role in integrating prototypes into experimental setups, directly impacting the advancement of stellarator fusion technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified at Level 2 within Proxima Fusion's internal framework, indicating a mid-level position with significant hands-on responsibility and a clear path for growth within specialized engineering disciplines. The emphasis on "hands-on prototyping, manufacturing, and testing" strongly suggests a need for candidates who are comfortable with direct involvement in the physical creation and validation of hardware, rather than purely theoretical design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical and electro-mechanical components for joint and busbar systems within superconducting magnets, ensuring structural integrity and electrical performance.

• Conceptualize, design, and implement early-stage prototypes of superconducting cables, considering materials, geometry, and electrical characteristics.

• Build, assemble, and meticulously test prototypes in close collaboration with the internal workshop, ensuring precision and adherence to specifications.

• Provide crucial support for the manufacturing and integration of developed components into magnet prototypes and experimental setups, facilitating seamless system operation.

• Iterate on designs based on comprehensive analysis of test results, measurements, and direct feedback from experimental activities, driving continuous improvement.

• Contribute to the development and optimization of manufacturing processes and specialized tooling required for the efficient fabrication of complex joint components.

• Actively participate in experimental activities, including the setup of test rigs, precise instrumentation, and reliable data acquisition for performance analysis.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with engineers and technicians across mechanical, electrical, and materials science domains to ensure holistic project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design, hands-on execution, and collaborative problem-solving. The iterative nature of design based on test results is a key characteristic of R&D prototyping roles, emphasizing a scientific and engineering approach to problem-solving. The mention of "early concepts" for superconducting cables suggests that this role is involved in the foundational stages of component development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience of 2-5 years in prototyping, manufacturing, or experimental work, with a preference for roles involving complex electromechanical systems.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in CAD software such as CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or Onshape for detailed mechanical design and component modeling.

• Strong foundational understanding of electrical or electromagnetic systems, including concepts like current flow, resistive losses, and basic circuit behavior.

• Proven hands-on experience in prototyping, assembly, and testing of physical components, ideally within an R&D or advanced manufacturing context.

• Comfortable and adept at working within workshop and laboratory environments, understanding safety protocols and operational procedures.

• A pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset with a demonstrated ability to iterate quickly on designs and solutions.

• Excellent team player with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across different engineering disciplines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with electromechanical systems, including the integration of sensors, actuators, or specialized instrumentation.

• Familiarity with a range of manufacturing processes such as machining, advanced assembly techniques, soldering, and potentially 3D printing.

• Prior experience in Research & Development (R&D) or prototype development environments, particularly in cutting-edge technology sectors.

• Exposure to thermal, electrical, or materials characterization techniques and their application in component validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level of 2-5 years aligns with a mid-level engineer who can operate with a degree of autonomy while still benefiting from mentorship. The strong emphasis on specific CAD tools indicates that practical proficiency is more critical than theoretical knowledge. The "nice to have" skills point towards candidates who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time in specialized areas relevant to fusion magnet technology.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase specific examples of mechanical or electro-mechanical components designed and prototyped, highlighting design intent, materials, and fabrication methods.

• Include case studies detailing the iterative design process, demonstrating how test results and feedback informed design modifications and led to improved performance.

• Present documentation of assembly and testing procedures, including any custom tooling or fixtures developed to facilitate the process.

• Quantify the impact of your contributions, where possible, by presenting metrics related to performance improvements, cost reductions, or efficiency gains achieved through your design work. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design iterations and the rationale behind critical design choices for components like joints and cables.

• Provide examples of how manufacturing processes were developed or optimized for prototype fabrication, including considerations for scalability.

• Showcase how experimental data was collected, analyzed, and used to validate designs and inform subsequent development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize hands-on prototyping and iterative design. Candidates should be prepared to walk through the lifecycle of a component they've developed, from initial concept and CAD design through to physical prototyping, testing, and refinement. Demonstrating an understanding of manufacturing constraints and practical assembly challenges will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for mid-level engineering roles in Switzerland, with a focus on specialized R&D and advanced manufacturing, the estimated salary range for a Magnet Prototyping Engineer with 2-5 years of experience in Zürich is CHF 90,000 - CHF 120,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the high cost of living in Zürich and the specialized nature of fusion technology.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including dental and vision, tailored to Swiss standards.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays, providing a healthy work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training, conferences, and further certifications.

• Contribution to a retirement savings plan, aligning with Swiss pension regulations.

• Potential for stock options or performance-based bonuses, reflecting the company's growth and success.

• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to Switzerland.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. Proxima Fusion promotes a results-oriented work environment, with flexibility offered where possible to accommodate project needs and individual work styles, while ensuring on-site presence for critical lab and workshop activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research from Swiss job boards and industry salary surveys for engineering roles in the Zürich region, considering the specialized nature of fusion technology and the company's funding. Benefits are typical for established tech companies in Switzerland, with an emphasis on employee well-being and professional growth. The on-site requirement for this role means that while flexibility might exist, regular attendance at the labs in Villigen and Böttstein is expected.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fusion Energy / Advanced Technology Research & Development. Proxima Fusion operates at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, developing a highly complex and capital-intensive technology with the potential to reshape global energy markets. This context implies a culture of intense focus, long-term vision, and a commitment to scientific and engineering excellence.

Company Size: Proxima Fusion is a rapidly growing, well-funded startup, likely employing between 100-300 individuals across its European locations. This size suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are highly visible, and team members often wear multiple hats, fostering a sense of shared ownership and direct impact.

Founded: Proxima Fusion is a spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), indicating a strong foundation in cutting-edge scientific research. While the exact founding date isn't provided, its rapid growth and significant funding (€650M) suggest it is a relatively young but highly ambitious company, likely established within the last 5-10 years.

Team Structure:

• The operations and engineering teams are likely structured around specialized disciplines, such as magnetics, plasma physics, materials science, and mechanical/electrical engineering.

• Reporting structures are probably hierarchical but with a strong emphasis on collaborative project teams, encouraging cross-functional communication.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a necessity, with engineers working closely with physicists, manufacturing specialists, and potentially software developers to integrate complex systems. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, utilizing advanced simulations, experimental results, and rigorous analysis to guide design and development.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for managing complex R&D projects with ambitious timelines and significant technical challenges.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely being explored and implemented to accelerate prototyping cycles and improve manufacturing processes, especially given the company's focus on scaling up.

Company Website: https://www.proximafusion.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's background as a spin-out from a prestigious research institute and its significant funding suggest a high-caliber engineering team. The "move fast and build what matters" mantra implies an agile, execution-focused culture, common in successful deep-tech startups.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Magnet Prototyping Engineer role is positioned at Level 2, signifying a crucial mid-level contributor. It requires a strong technical foundation and hands-on skills, with the expectation of independent problem-solving and contribution to tangible project outcomes. This level is ideal for engineers looking to deepen their expertise in magnet technology and gain significant practical experience in a high-impact field.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will likely report to a Magnetics Lead or a Senior Engineering Manager. They will work within a dedicated magnetics team, collaborating closely with other prototyping engineers, magnet designers, and potentially materials scientists. The structure emphasizes direct contribution to project milestones.

Operations Impact: The work of this role directly influences the development of Proxima Fusion's core technology – the high-temperature superconducting magnets. Successful prototyping and component development are fundamental to achieving higher-performance stellarator designs (Alpha and Stellaris machines) and ultimately realizing a commercial fusion power plant. The engineer's contributions are critical for de-risking the technology and enabling faster progress towards commercialization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in superconducting magnet design, HTS technology, joint fabrication, or advanced prototyping techniques.

• Technical Leadership: Progress to a Senior or Principal Engineer role, leading complex design projects, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to strategic technical decisions.

• Cross-Functional Expansion: Develop broader knowledge in areas like systems engineering, manufacturing process optimization, or experimental physics by collaborating across teams.

• Project Management: Transition into roles managing specific R&D projects or product development phases, leveraging deep technical understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The L2 classification suggests that while the role is hands-on, it also offers significant learning and growth potential. Proxima Fusion's ambitious mission provides a clear runway for engineers to advance their careers by contributing to groundbreaking technology. The emphasis on "life's best work" implies a culture that supports and rewards significant contributions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires significant on-site presence at Proxima Fusion's labs in Villigen and Böttstein, Switzerland. This indicates a combination of laboratory facilities, workshop spaces, and potentially office areas for design and analysis.

Office Location(s): The primary work locations are specified as Villigen and Böttstein. These sites are likely equipped with specialized machinery, testing equipment, and cleanroom facilities necessary for advanced magnet prototyping. Zürich serves as a broader operational hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be a blend of hands-on laboratory and workshop environments, requiring adaptability and comfort with specialized equipment.

• Access to state-of-the-art prototyping tools, CAD workstations, testing rigs, and potentially advanced manufacturing equipment will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with a highly skilled team of engineers, technicians, and scientists will be frequent, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with a focus on achieving project milestones. While flexibility may be offered, the nature of hands-on prototyping and experimental work often necessitates presence during specific operational windows and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, underscoring the hands-on nature of the work. Candidates must be prepared to work regularly in laboratory and workshop settings, which may involve different safety protocols and environmental conditions compared to a standard office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Recruiter Interview (30-60 min): Initial screening to assess general fit, motivation, and basic qualifications. Prepare to articulate your interest in fusion energy and Proxima Fusion specifically.

• Technical Screening (30 min): A focused discussion on core engineering principles, CAD skills, and understanding of electrical/electromagnetic systems. Be ready to explain past projects at a high level.

• Technical Panel (2x60 min): In-depth technical interviews with senior engineers and potential team leads. Expect detailed questions on your experience with prototyping, manufacturing, CAD, and problem-solving approaches.

Prepare to discuss specific examples from your resume and portfolio.

• Practical On-site: This is a crucial stage involving hands-on assessment. It may include:

  • A tour of the lab and workshop facilities.

  • A practical exercise or problem-solving task related to mechanical design, assembly, or troubleshooting.

  • Discussions with team members to evaluate collaboration style and cultural fit.

  • A deeper dive into your portfolio and past projects. Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in mechanical/electro-mechanical prototyping, CAD design, assembly, and testing. Prioritize projects involving complex components or iterative design processes.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, outline the challenge, your role and approach, the tools/processes used (CAD, manufacturing, testing), the outcomes (design improvements, test results), and any lessons learned. Use visuals (renderings, photos, diagrams) extensively.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work. This could include performance improvements, efficiency gains, or successful integration milestones.

• Highlight Iteration: Clearly show how you iterated on designs based on feedback or test results. This demonstrates a problem-solving mindset and adaptability.

• Be Prepared to Explain: Be ready to verbally walk through your portfolio, explaining your contributions, design decisions, and technical challenges in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of mechanical design principles, CAD best practices, basic electrical engineering concepts, and common manufacturing processes.

• Think Through Prototypes: Consider how you would approach designing, building, and testing a specific component like a joint or a cable connection. What are the key challenges and trade-offs?

• Problem-Solving Framework: Prepare to articulate your approach to solving engineering problems, emphasizing logical steps, data gathering, hypothesis testing, and solution validation.

• Company Context: Understand Proxima Fusion's mission, technology (stellarators, HTS magnets), and the specific challenges they are trying to solve. Tailor your answers to demonstrate how your skills align with their goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process, culminating in a practical on-site assessment, is typical for hands-on engineering roles in deep-tech companies. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as a tangible demonstration of skills and experience. Candidates should focus on showcasing practical application of their knowledge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: CATIA (highly preferred), NX, SolidWorks, or Onshape for detailed 3D modeling, assembly design, and potentially generating manufacturing drawings. Proficiency in at least one is essential.

• Prototyping Equipment: Access to and experience with standard workshop machinery (e.g., CNC machines, lathes, mills), hand tools, measurement devices (calipers, micrometers), and potentially specialized assembly stations.

• Testing and Measurement Equipment: Familiarity with oscilloscopes, multimeters, temperature sensors, strain gauges, data acquisition systems, and potentially cryostats or vacuum systems depending on the specific lab setup.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Acquisition Systems: Experience with systems used to collect experimental data from prototypes.

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools like MATLAB, Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), or similar for analyzing test results, identifying trends, and generating reports.

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data organization and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking tasks, progress, and team collaboration on R&D projects.

• Version Control Systems: For CAD files or documentation, tools like Git might be used, though less common for direct CAD management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CAD (specifically CATIA) and hands-on testing equipment is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their practical experience with these tools and demonstrate how they have used them to develop and validate hardware prototypes. Understanding data acquisition and analysis is also key for iterating on designs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Rigor: A commitment to high standards in design, manufacturing, and testing, driven by scientific accuracy and engineering precision.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages creative thinking and the development of novel solutions to complex technical challenges in fusion energy.

• Collaboration & Ownership: A strong emphasis on teamwork, shared responsibility, and individual accountability for project success, fostering a sense of collective mission.

• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to move quickly, iterate on designs, and adapt to new information and experimental results in a fast-paced R&D environment.

• Impact & Purpose: A deep-seated belief in the mission of delivering clean energy, driving motivation and a commitment to achieving ambitious goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Engineers are expected to actively collaborate with physicists, materials scientists, and manufacturing specialists, breaking down disciplinary silos.

• Open Communication & Feedback: A culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and shared openly to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, lessons learned, and best practices across teams to accelerate collective learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proxima Fusion's mission to deliver commercial fusion energy implies a culture that is both scientifically rigorous and highly driven. The combination of cutting-edge research and startup agility suggests a dynamic environment where collaboration is key to overcoming significant technical hurdles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Working with high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials, cryogenic environments, and high magnetic fields presents inherent technical challenges requiring specialized knowledge and careful engineering.

• Rapid Iteration: The need to rapidly prototype and test components in an R&D setting requires efficient processes and the ability to adapt designs quickly based on experimental feedback, which can be demanding.

• Manufacturing Scalability: Developing processes for fabricating complex magnet components that are not only functional but also scalable for future commercial power plants is a significant long-term challenge.

• Integration with Advanced Systems: Ensuring that newly prototyped joints and cables integrate seamlessly with larger, complex experimental setups requires meticulous planning and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• HTS Magnet Technology: Gain in-depth expertise in the latest advancements in High-Temperature Superconducting magnets, a critical component of next-generation fusion reactors.

• Fusion Engineering: Develop a comprehensive understanding of fusion energy principles and the engineering challenges involved in building a commercial fusion power plant.

• Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Learn and apply cutting-edge manufacturing and prototyping methods relevant to exotic materials and complex geometries.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skills: Broaden knowledge by collaborating with experts in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering, fostering a holistic engineering perspective.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to take on more responsibility, lead sub-projects, and mentor junior engineers as the company and team grow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to pioneering fusion technology. Proxima Fusion's growth and ambition provide excellent opportunities for engineers to tackle these challenges and grow their expertise in a high-impact field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you had to iterate on a design based on unexpected test results. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" Focus on your systematic approach, data analysis, and ability to adapt.

• Collaboration: "How do you approach collaborating with engineers from different disciplines (e.g., electrical vs. mechanical) when their priorities might differ?" Highlight your communication skills, empathy, and focus on shared project goals.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you're tasked with designing a new type of joint for a superconducting cable. What are the first steps you would take, and what potential challenges would you anticipate?" Emphasize your structured thinking, risk assessment, and consideration of constraints.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you specifically interested in fusion energy and Proxima Fusion, given your background in [Your Field]?" Connect your skills and career aspirations to the company's mission and technology.

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal working relationship with a workshop team or technicians." Focus on respect, clear communication, and a collaborative spirit.

• Impact: "How do you measure the success of your prototyping work?" Discuss metrics, performance validation, and contributions to project milestones.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your solution, the challenges encountered, and the results achieved.

• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality renderings, photos of prototypes, diagrams, and graphs to illustrate your work and make it engaging.

• Focus on 'How' and 'Why': Explain not just what you did, but how you did it and why you made specific design choices.

• Quantify Achievements: Present any measurable improvements or outcomes clearly.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, design trade-offs, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical depth and practical problem-solving abilities, as well as cultural fit. Candidates should prepare to articulate their thought processes and demonstrate their hands-on capabilities through their portfolio and specific project examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Magnet Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.ashbyhq.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with prototyping, CAD (especially CATIA if applicable), mechanical/electrical design, and hands-on manufacturing or assembly. Use keywords from the job description, such as "superconducting cables," "joint systems," and "HTS magnets."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your relevant skills. Prepare a clear presentation or digital portfolio that details the challenge, your approach, tools used, and outcomes. Focus on iterative design and practical execution.

• Prepare for Technical Interviews: Review fundamental mechanical engineering principles, CAD software functionalities, and basic electrical/electromagnetic concepts. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and articulate your problem-solving methodology.

• Research Proxima Fusion: Understand their mission, the stellarator technology, the significance of HTS magnets, and the company's growth trajectory. This demonstrates genuine interest and allows you to tailor your responses to their specific context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.