R&D Engineer, Plasmas

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 $600 million from investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group 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).

Now we are working toward Polaris, which will be the first machine to demonstrate electricity from fusion, making this a great time to join Helion! Bring your skills, experiences, and determination to make a difference in the world. Together, we can make a future with unlimited clean electricity from fusion a reality.

What You Will Be Doing

We are looking for an engineer with experience working with plasmas to join the Test Operations team. As an R&D Engineer, you will help design and operate experimental facilities focused on the development of plasma technologies to improve our FRC fusion performance. You will work in our FRC pre-ionization development area. You will report to our Fusion Test Lead at our Everett, WA office.

You Will

• Install and operate high density plasma generation systems (e.g. helicon, ECR, ringing theta)
• Design, install, and operate experimental diagnostics, including plasma diagnostics
• Provide design and test engineering support of vacuum systems, gaseous fuel systems, high-voltage power electronics, and data acquisition systems
• Prepare experimental test plans and procedures, and present at test readiness reviews
• Maintain experimental facilities and related support equipment such as vacuum systems, gas fueling systems, high-voltage power electronics, data acquisition systems, and diagnostics
• Develop and validate technical specifications to comply with project requirements
• Analyze diagnostic test data, write reports, and present results
• Use critical reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of different technical solutions
• Work with members of other teams to develop technical solutions

Required Skills

• B.S. or M.S in Aerospace engineering, physics, or related field of study and 3+ years of experience with experimental plasma physics in hands-on environment
• Experience working with magnetized vacuum plasmas, e.g. thrusters, helicon sources, nuclear fusion experimental plasmas
• Hands-on hardware experience with vacuum systems, high pressure gas flow systems, plasma diagnostics, HV pulsed power systems, and data acquisition systems
• Experience in the design, build, and test approach of seeing a technical project through from conception to completion
• Demonstrated ability and desire to rapidly learn new systems
• Demonstrated experience taking on complex problems, defining and accomplishing challenging objectives with minimal guidance
• Experience scripting data analysis routines in a common language (e.g. Matlab, Python, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively as a member of a team

Desirable Skills

• Experience with writing/using LabVIEW control GUIs
• Experience with National Instruments PXI/DAQ hardware

The pay range for this position is $115k-175k. This pay range may be inclusive of several career levels and will be narrowed based on several factors, including the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Benefits and Compensation

Our total compensation package includes generous equity and 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)
• 13 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

NOTE: Underrepresented people are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the job's requirements. We believe in hiring people, not checklists, and encourage you to apply even if you do not check all of the boxes. If this job isn't the one, we have many other openings that may be a fit.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. If we reach out to you to begin an interview process, we will also ask if you require any reasonable accommodation at that time.