ABOUT US
Next Step Fusion (https://nextfusion.org) is a pure-play partner for the fusion industry on a mission to accelerate fusion companies by bridging world-class science with deployable, industry-ready solutions. We provide integrated multiphysics modeling for tokamak design and plasma simulation, solutions for plasma diagnostics and control in MCF devices.
Next Step Fusion is headquartered in Luxembourg, where the majority of the physics and engineering team is based, with a recently opened office in the United Kingdom. Our team is further spread across Europe, with members working remotely from Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a senior microwave engineer to take ownership of the design, development, and deployment of microwave diagnostic systems across our product portfolio. You will work on the full signal chain — from RF front-end architecture through to hardware integration with data acquisition and real-time control systems — and collaborate directly with plasma physicists and engineers at our client organizations.
This is a technically deep role with meaningful engineering autonomy. You will be expected to drive design decisions, contribute to our diagnostic platform architecture, and support experimental campaigns at fusion facilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Microwave System Design
- Design microwave and millimeter-wave diagnostic systems for plasma experiments
- Develop RF front-end architectures including sources, receivers, mixers, and
detectors
- Design and optimize microwave transmission components such as waveguides,
antennas, couplers, and filters
Hardware Development
- Develop and prototype microwave subsystems as part of a modular diagnostic
platform
- Perform RF simulations and component characterization
- Integrate microwave hardware with high-speed data acquisition systems
Experimental Integration
- Deploy and test diagnostic hardware in laboratory environments and on fusion
experiments
- Collaborate with plasma physicists and control engineers to ensure diagnostics
support real-time plasma control
- Participate in experimental campaigns and diagnostic validation
System Integration
- Interface microwave diagnostics with digital control and data processing pipelines
- Contribute to the development of scalable diagnostic architectures for future fusion
devices
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, RF/Microwave Engineering,
or related field
- Strong background in microwave engineering and RF system design
- Experience with RF simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, COMSOL)
- Experience with microwave measurement equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer,
signal generators)
- Experience designing microwave components or diagnostic systems
Preferred
- Experience with millimeter-wave systems
- Experience with plasma diagnostics (reflectometry, interferometry, ECE, etc.)
- Experience with waveguide systems and vacuum-compatible RF hardware
- Familiarity with tokamak or fusion experiments
- Experience with embedded electronics or fast data acquisition systems
