  We present the design, construction and characterization of an experimental
system capable of supporting a broad class of quantum simulation experiments
with hundreds of spin qubits using Be-9 ions in a Penning trap. This article
provides a detailed overview of the core optical and trapping subsystems, and
their integration. We begin with a description of a dual-trap design separating
loading and experimental zones and associated vacuum infrastructure design. The
experimental-zone trap electrodes are designed for wide-angle optical access
(e.g. for lasers used to engineer spin-motional coupling across large ion
crystals) while simultaneously providing a harmonic trapping potential. We
describe a near-zero-loss liquid-cryogen-based superconducting magnet, employed
in both trapping and establishing a quantization field for ion spin-states, and
equipped with a dual-stage remote-motor LN2LHe recondenser. Experimental
measurements using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe demonstrate
part-per-million homogeneity over 7 mm-diameter cylindrical volume, with no
discernible effect on the measured NMR linewidth from pulse-tube operation.
Next we describe a custom-engineered inbore optomechanical system which
delivers ultraviolet (UV) laser light to the trap, and supports multiple
aligned optical objectives for top- and sideview imaging in the experimental
trap region. We describe design choices including the use of non-magnetic
goniometers and translation stages for precision alignment. Further, the
optomechanical system integrates UV-compatible fiber optics which decouple the
system's alignment from remote light sources. Using this system we present
site-resolved images of ion crystals and demonstrate the ability to realize
both planar and three-dimensional ion arrays via control of rotating wall
electrodes and radial laser beams. Looking to future work, we include
interferometric..
