
Proxima Fusion · Munich
WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max ...
Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first
spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich,
Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator
fusion power plant.
Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation
machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and
high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach.
Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from
physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions.
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will take ownership of developing assembly strategies and work packages for our stellarator
machine program, one of the most critical and technically demanding elements of our first integrated prototype. This role sits at
the intersection of engineering rigour and hands-on execution, defining how complex fusion machine systems are assembled safely,
precisely, and on schedule.
This position is part of a unique secondment program in collaboration with ITER, through their IPA (ITER Project Associates)
scheme. You will be hired by Proxima Fusion and, for the first 12 months, embedded at the ITER Organization in Cadarache, France,
gaining direct, hands-on experience at the world's largest fusion experiment. Following the secondment, you will relocate to
Munich to continue your career at Proxima Fusion.
data, confirmation of assembly strategies, and identification of open points in the process.
strategies to resolve assembly challenges, improve quality, and optimise cost and schedule.
certificates may be considered in lieu of formal education.
high-technology equipment.
assemblies involving high-precision metrology (laser trackers/scanning).
management — is a plus.
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.
ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective - providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments. We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe, today. YOUR MISSION As the Automation & Process Development Engineer, you are responsible for defining how our products are built. Your focus is on developing advanced production processes, identifying automation opportunities, and managing external equipment vendors. You will design the automated assembly cells, program automated components, and ensure external machine builders deliver high-performing equipment on time. RESPONSIBILITIES * Process Development: Formulate, test, and validate new manufacturing processes (e.g., automated joining, dispensing, laser welding, vision inspection) required to build next-generation products. * Automation Engineering: Identify opportunities to automate manual processes using robotics, custom tooling, vision systems, and PLCs. Sketch out concepts for automated cells and fixtures. * Vendor & Equipment Management: Draft functional specifications and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for external automation vendors. Act as the technical lead during vendor selections. * Equipment Qualification (FAT/SAT): Drive Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) at vendor facilities and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) during installation. Ensure equipment achieves targeted cycle times and yields. * Commissioning: Own the deployment, programming adjustments, troubleshooting, and final hand-off of automated equipment to the production team. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related. * Hands-on experience developing advanced manufacturing processes and integrating automation, robotics, and vision systems. * Demonstrated experience managing technical vendors/machine builders from specification through to equipment delivery and acceptance testing (FAT/SAT). For further information please reach out to talent@stark-defence.com.
ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective - providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments. We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe, today. YOUR MISSION As a Manufacturing Engineer (Generalist & MTM Specialist), you will focus on maximizing production efficiency, line balancing, and labor optimization. While you support broad manufacturing engineering topics, your superpower is using Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) to analyze manual operations, eliminate waste, and establish accurate standard times. You will ensure our shop floor operations are highly efficient, safe, and ergonomically sound. RESPONSIBILITIES EARLY-STAGE R&D COLLABORATION & MANUAL ASSEMBLY SOLUTIONS * Pre-Production Design Input: Partner with R&D during the initial prototyping and design phases to review manual assembly steps. Propose design modifications that simplify manual handling, reduce component orientation complexity, and minimize assembly errors. * Predictive Labor Costing: Utilize MTM methodologies on early-stage CAD models and prototypes to estimate standard assembly times, helping R&D evaluate the labor-cost impact of different design variations. * Mistake-Proofing (Poka-Yoke): Work with R&D to define physical design features (e.g., asymmetrical alignment pins, keyed slots) that make incorrect manual assembly physically impossible. * Ergonomic Design Guidance: Ensure R&D designs avoid requiring excessive physical force, awkward hand postures, or specialized dexterity, protecting operators from repetitive strain injuries once the product hits mass production. WORK MEASUREMENT & MTM * Time & Motion Analysis: Apply MTM methodologies (MTM-1, MTM-2, or UAS) to analyze manual assembly operations, establish precise standard times, and eliminate waste. * Line Balancing & Layout: Design and continuously optimize production line balancing to eliminate bottlenecks, distribute workloads evenly, and maximize throughput. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. * Certified MTM practitioner (strongly preferred) with proven experience applying time-study and work-measurement methodologies on a live production floor. * Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, workplace ergonomics, and facility layout design. For further information please reach out to talent@stark-defence.com.
ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective - providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments. We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe, today. YOUR MISSION As the Manufacturing Engineer, you will act as the vital bridge between R&D and mass production. Your primary focus is on Industrialization, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Risk Mitigation (FMEA). You will embed yourself with the R&D team early in the design phase to ensure that next-generation products are optimized for high-yield, cost-effective, and scalable manufacturing. RESPONSIBILITIES * DFM/DFA Integration: Collaborate closely with R&D during early design cycles. Conduct rigorous Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews to simplify designs and prepare them for automated production. * FMEA Leadership: Lead and document Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) workshops to proactively identify manufacturing risks and implement effective mitigation strategies. * Industrialization: Own the manufacturing ramp-up during. Track and manage the transition from prototype builds to pilot runs and eventual mass production. * Quality & Validation: Define early-stage quality criteria, design assembly fixtures, and collaborate with quality teams to validate that production processes meet product specifications. * General ME Support: Provide technical feedback to R&D regarding manufacturing capabilities, tolerance stack-ups, and material selection impact on production. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. * Proven track record in NPI/Industrialization environments, successfully transitioning products from engineering labs to the factory floor. * High proficiency in running PFMEAs and applying DFM/DFA principles. Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks, Creo, etc.) are essential. For further information please reach out to talent@stark-defence.com.