Senior Project Manager (m/f/d) – Next Generation Stellarator Project

The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) is one of the world's leading centers for fusion research. With around 1100 dedicated employees in Garching near Munich and Greifswald, we are committed to exploring the fundamental principles of fusion power plants. These power plants generate energy without climate-damaging emissions, are safe, sustainable and nearly limitless – just like the sun. Fusion power plants have the potential to play an important role in supplying energy to future generations.

At the IPP site in Garching, we are conducting research on the large-scale experiment ASDEX Upgrade. This is a fusion plant of the world-famous tokamak type.

Reference number 26/012

Full time
Limited

• Funding Proposal & Project Launch: In collaboration with external partners, lead the development of the comprehensive funding proposal and project plan for a "next-generation stellarator" to be prepared within the "Magnetic Confinement Fusion Hub." Define a detailed staffing and resource plan for the IPP's contributions to the pre-construction phase, covering experts in physics, engineering, safety, quality management, legal affairs, communication, and infrastructure.
• Team Building & Organizational Design: Establish a multidisciplinary project team spanning all technical, scientific, legal, safety, quality, procurement, and communication domains. Lead recruitment, onboarding, and integration of experts from diverse backgrounds and develop a clear organizational structure with defined roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
• Infrastructure & Site Planning: Define technical and operational requirements for laboratories, workshops, support facilities (e.g., high-voltage systems, vacuum labs, cryoplants, electronics and machine shops), and office spaces. Coordinate closely with the industrial partner to ensure all needs are fully integrated into the facility design.
• Project Planning & Delivery: Develop and maintain a comprehensive project plan with a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), detailed milestones, resource and cost planning, and risk management. Ensure accurate definition, timely delivery, and traceability of physics and engineering requirements to the industrial partner.
• Collaboration & Oversight: Act as the primary liaison with the industrial partner, ensuring alignment on safety, quality, cost, schedule, radiation protection, and technical decisions. Lead regular cost and technical reviews, manage contracts and legal compliance, and implement a robust documentation, change control, and configuration management systems.

• Advanced university degree in Physics, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Nuclear, or Systems Engineering), or Project Management with a focus on large-scale scientific infrastructure.
• Proven experience managing complex, high-value projects (multi-million to billion-euro scale), ideally in research infrastructure, energy systems, or nuclear technology.
• Experience in fusion projects or similar large-scale initiatives is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Fluent in German and English with strong communication and leadership skills in international, interdisciplinary teams.

• Pioneering Role: Shape Germany's next major fusion research project – a unique greenfield initiative – from the very beginning.
• Strategic Impact: Work directly with the IPP Scientific Leadership and influence the future of energy research in Germany and Europe.
• Innovative Environment: Benefit from flexible working hours, modern facilities, a cafeteria, and extensive training and development opportunities.
• Compensation & Benefits: Enjoy a fair salary under TVöD Bund up to pay grade 15 (depending on qualifications and assigned tasks; plus allowance, if applicable), a competitive pension scheme (VBL), and 30 vacation days plus additional free days on Christmas, New Year's Eve, and bridge holidays.
• The position is initially limited for two years; depending on the project's progress, an extension or conversion to a permanent position may be possible.

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