Manager, Experimental Science

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

We are looking for a Manager of Experimental Science to manage experimental diagnostics projects and to lead a team of scientists and engineers in the design, implementation, and testing of devices and technologies aimed at enhancing fusion plasma performance. This is an onsite role that reports directly to the Director of Experimental Science at our Everett, WA office.

You Will

• Lead a team of scientists and engineers working on various projects and initiatives
• Present scientific progress updates during internal meetings and conferences
• Create the team roadmap taking into consideration how the physics of different subsystems work together to create a strategic vision
• Collaborate with other scientists and engineers in the development and testing of experimental instrumentation and procedures
• Drive schedule ownership and optimization by team members to accelerate milestones
• Drive design, analysis, and process improvements to increase throughput

Required Skills

• Advanced degree in physics or related physical science discipline
• 5+ years of scientific research experience with 3+ years managing scientists or engineers in research, development, or technology settings
• Knowledge of applied plasma physics with hands-on experience in hardware design and development
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex interdepartmental projects, including schedule ownership

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.

Compensation Range: $220K - $280K