Job Offers

System & Development Engineer, holder of Master degree in Energy systems (M/F/X)

Project MSP/23-03: PHYSW7X

Publication: 16 OCT 2025

GENERAL CONTEXT

The Royal Military Academy (RMA) is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources.

In the framework of our active collaboration on heating Wendelstein 7-X, which is the largest optimized stellarator in the world, to temperatures needed for fusion reactions to occur (several 10 millions of degrees C) we are looking for a full-time system & development engineer. We value diversity and equal opportunities, and we encourage all qualified candidates (man/woman/x) to apply.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Your workplace is the Laboratory for Plasma Physics (LPP-ERM/KMS) of the Department of Physics of the Polytechnic Faculty of the RMA. Research in LPP-ERM/KMS is undertaken in close collaboration with other laboratories that are actively involved in controlled nuclear fusion research in Europe (e.g. the Plasma Physics Institute of the Research Centre Jülich (FZ-Jülich) and the Max-Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald (IPP-MPG), both in Germany). You will conduct scientific research at university level.

The stellarator Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is a large-scale magnetic confinement fusion experiment with as main aim to establish the viability of a stellarator as a future fusion power reactor. LPP has a long experience on heating the plasmas in magnetic confinement fusion devices using Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH). This is a promising method to establish and maintain the required temperatures for fusion reactions to occur. A dedicated ICRH system for W7-X has been built by LPP-ERM/KMS in collaboration with FZ-Jülich. This system was installed in W7-X in August 2021 and has been in operation in all operational campaigns since. The use of the ICRH system should provide answers to questions like the best plasma heating scenarios, the investigation of particle confinement and the effectiveness of wall conditioning and plasma startup in the presence of a large magnetic field of several Tesla. Currently W7-X is in a shutdown phase for further upgrades, and the next operational phase is foreseen to start mid 2026.

MAIN TASKS

  • Design and upgrade the ICRH system (generator, matching system, transmission lines, antenna) to improve reliability and experimental performance.
  • Lead manufacturing, procurement, and integration of new components.
  • Support operations during experimental campaigns.
  • Prepare technical documentation and coordinate with the W7-X team (preferably in German).
  • Report results to the research team in English and present at international conferences.
  • Publish scientific and technical papers in international journals

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Degree(s) required: Master in engineering with a focus on nuclear fusion technology.

This position is open for senior development and system engineer with minimum 5 years of practical experience in the field.

“MUST HAVE” skills:

  • Thorough deep knowledge and experience of the CATIA 3D design software;
  • Experience in analytical and finite element simulations of fluid dynamics, thermal stresses, mechanical stresses, and corresponding deformations (implying practical experience with ANSYS, CFX, Python, Excel).
  • Experience in commissioning of sub-systems for magnetic fusion devices.
  • Experience in project management for fusion applications.

“NICE TO HAVE” skills:

  • In-depth knowledge on materials and applications in a high magnetic field and ultrahigh vacuum environment
  • Knowledge about the application of components (sensors and detectors) in high power high frequency fields
  • Experience and practical knowledge on plasma physics and ICRH applications

Personal skills:

  • Conducts scientific research independently and proactively, thriving in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Thinks creatively and innovatively to generate new ideas and solutions.
  • Highly committed, result driven, and focused on achieving impact.
  • Takes initiative and drives projects forward with energy and motivation.
  • Demonstrates integrity, loyalty, and respect for confidentiality in all professional matters.

Other skills:

  • The applicant is expected to possess a strong command of spoken and written English.
  • Proficiency in German will be regarded as an advantage for effective collaboration with peers.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

  • The selected candidate may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be performed by the Belgian Defense.

WORKPLACE

  • The selected candidate will be primarily based at the Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels. The position also involves regular collaboration at FZ-Jülich and shorter assignments at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald, Germany, in line with Belgian Defence regulations.
  • The position includes occasional international travel to participate in scientific conferences.

CONTRACT

  • Probable date of recruitment: From 01/01/2026, in consultation with the selected applicant.
  • Full-time position under an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (please note that this does not constitute a civil servant appointment).
  • The financing of this contract is linked to the project’s funding, which is secured until 28 Feb 2027. While funding beyond that date cannot be fully guaranteed at this stage, the Patrimony has a strong policy of retaining excellent collaborators. Since the research focus of this position aligns closely with our core research activities, there is a high likelihood that we will be able to offer follow-up projects beyond that period should you wish to continue with us.
  • class A2 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master’s in Engineering Sciences). The RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, enabling researchers to progress in salary, based on annual performance evaluations.
  • Flexible working hours within a 38-hour work week.
  • Teleworking possible up to 2 days per week, with an associated allowance.
  • Holiday pay in accordance with institutional regulations.

EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS

  • Allowances: Bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) available upon successful completion of the SELOR language test.
  • End-of-year bonus.
  • Free DKV hospitalization insurance, with the option to extend coverage to household members (spouse, children, etc.) at 50% of the standard rate per additional member.
  • Bike allowance or free public transport for home-to-work commuting.
  • Meal vouchers with a value of €6 per working day.
  • Free access to campus sports facilities outside of working hours.
  • On-campus restaurant and cafeteria offering affordable meals and discounts on the daily menu.
  • Leave and Holidays: 29 days of annual leave from the first year of employment.
  • From the age of 45, 1 additional holiday for every 5 years of service.
  • One week of collective leave between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, independent of your annual
  • holiday balance.
  • Additional Benefits: Benefits@work card providing access to discounts, vouchers, and special offers.
  • Access to OCASC services (Office Central d’Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense),
  • including holiday centres and travel discounts via the official tour operator.
  • Access to a Defence-funded nursery (subject to availability).

APPLICATION

To apply for this position, please provide

  • your CV
  • a motivation letter

and send these documents by email to Dr. Fabrice Louche (fabrice.louche@mil.be) and to erm-deao-rswo@mil.be, clearly specifying the reference of the project “MSP/23-03”.

Application deadline: 06 NOV 2025

The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized, but in person presence is preferred. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.

Last updated: 16 October 2025