Experimental Scientist, X-ray Diagnostics

We are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.

Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised over $1 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors SoftBank and Lightspeed to propel us forward. Our last prototype, Trenta, completed 10,000 high-power pulses and reached plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (9 keV). We are now operating Polaris, our next prototype on the path to the world's first fusion power plant.

This is a pivotal time to join Helion. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths – values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, we will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.

What You Will Be Doing

You will lead Helion’s x-ray diagnostic efforts, collaborating with scientists and engineers across plasma physics, spectroscopy, data analysis, and instrumentation. You will design and deploy spectroscopic tools and support experimental campaigns with diagnostic expertise. You will report to the Director of Experimental Science, and this is an onsite role located at our Everett, WA office.

You Will

• Lead x-ray diagnostics development, including conceptualizing, designing, constructing, and deploying x-ray spectroscopic tools for fusion plasma diagnostics
• Own diagnostic instrumentation for x-ray spectroscopy and spatially resolved x-ray emission imaging
• Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists in optical and non-optical diagnostics and serve as a subject matter expert during experimental campaigns
• Analyze and document results by developing data routines that integrate multiple spectroscopic probes to extract plasma parameters and detail diagnostic methodologies

Required Skills

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with experience in fusion plasmas
• 3+ years of experience in a laboratory setting with hands-on experimental work
• Broad understanding of plasma physics and diagnostic techniques with relevant experience in fusion applications
• Experience developing, deploying, and commissioning x-ray diagnostics including spectroscopy and cameras
• Experience using data from diagnostic instruments to drive research outcomes or mission success
• Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to implement diagnostics on large-scale experiments

Total Compensation and Benefits

Helion's compensation package includes a competitively benchmarked base salary, meaningful equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Final compensation is determined through a holistic evaluation of your experience, qualifications, and our commitment to internal equity - ensuring fairness and transparency across our teams. We are committed to fostering a fair and equitable environment in every aspect of our operations, including compensation.

This is an exempt salaried role.

Annual Base Pay

$120,000 - $160,000 USD

Benefits

Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
• 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
• 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
• Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
• Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
• Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
• Annual wellness stipend

Helion is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.