About the role

GFG has developed innovative proprietary technologies for superconducting magnets, applicable to HTS and LTS materials and to both stellarator and tokamak fusion devices. These are now passing successfully through the ‘proof of principal’ stage and will enter the prototyping phase next year.

GFG is looking for a Superconducting Magnet Engineer with experience in applied superconductivity and the use of LTS/HTS materials in practical magnets. He/she will be familiar with the particular design issues of superconducting and insulator materials and the associated technologies needed to make large and reliable magnets and will have operated/commissioned superconducting magnets. The engineer will eventually lead a team of designers and analysts to develop and qualify the detailed design and follow the superconductor and coil manufacturing. There will be opportunities to increase the readiness level of novel technologies such as demountable coils as well as to contribute further innovations.

Main responsibilities

Manage the GFG magnet design activities related to the superconducting components and associate technologies:
Define cable designs for high current conductors for LTS and HTS materials;
Define winding/lay-up procedures for the three-dimensional coils needed for stellarators and investigate possible constraints;
Assess the options for magnet quench protection and insulation/non insulation and provide the trade offs as they will impact the basic machine design, manufacture, operation and reliability. Defines technology readiness and programs needed to bring to implement in the baseline design;
Follow up the GF program for demountable coils and as appropriate oversee the manufacture of demonstrator coils and the implementation of the technology in the magnet system baseline design;
Assess industrial capabilities for superconducting material manufacture and potential impact on GF power plant construction;
Prepare technical specifications for manufacturing studies on cables and coils, places the contracts and follows up the results;
Define and implement a qualification program for the superconducting aspects of the conductors and coils, through conductor samples and model coils. Ensures appropriate facilities are available for the testing.

Qualification and educational requirements

At least a good master’s degree or equivalent in the physics, electrical or mechanical engineering fields;
Professional recognition through full membership of an Institution such as IEEE (and its CAS) or equivalent, or completion of a PhD/Dr.-Ing in a relevant engineering or applied physics area;
Technical experience:
At least 5 years’ experience in applied superconductivity for magnet design and manufacture;
Experience in commissioning/experimental operation of a large superconducting magnet;
Demonstrated familiarity with relevant parts of electrical and mechanical design codes such as IEEE, ASME, DIN, ISO or BS;
Use of superconductor analysis codes for calculation of temperature margin and quench. Use of thermohydraulic codes for cooling calculations and electromagnetic codes for field evaluations.

Competences and preferred skills

Familiarity with magnetic field coil design and superconductivity including options for quench detection and cable jointing techniques;
Familiarity with requirements of mechanical and electrical engineering at cryogenic temperatures;
Knowledge of vacuum technology for cryostats;
Familiarity with LTS and HTS superconducting material production and cable forming options;
Familiarity with high voltage insulation material and cryogenic high voltage engineering;