Experiment and Test Engineer, Operations

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 to bring the most powerful, controlled pulsed-fusion device ever constructed online with the goal of generating electrical power. We know this hasn't been done before, so we are looking for individuals who have translatable experience that can help us accomplish our goals. You will report to our Fusion Test Lead at our Everett, WA office.

You Will:

• Complete a training program and qualify as an operator of Helion's Polaris prototype fusion machine
• Safely operate and control pulsed power, high-energy mega joule capacitor systems
• Author and develop fusion prototype operating procedures and create experimental test plans
• Support Polaris tests including test set up, checkouts, and commissioning of Polaris subsystems
• Create post test data reports and reviews that inform and recommend actions for future testing; participate in formal data reviews
• Operate and monitor large-scale vacuum systems, including vacuum cycling quartz vacuum chambers that are 1+ meters in diameter
• Learn and understand plasma physics, including how to create and optimize FRC's
• Design, build, and interpret magnetic, fusion product, and plasma diagnostics
• Support development of LabView-based and PXIe-NI chassis-based control systems including GUI modifications for improved operator situational awareness and human error prevention
• Collaborate with engineering and research teams to ensure testing objectives are met
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively as a member of a team

Required Skills

• B.S. or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field of study and 4+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability and desire to rapidly learn new systems
• Experience safely operating a highly complex machine in a high consequence operational environment
• Large-scale operations experience on accelerators, tokomaks, power plant operations, rocket launches, or similar
• Experience building, fixing, and modifying large experimental machines or power plants
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and conducting repairs on complex, one of a kind systems
• Demonstrated ability and desire to rapidly learn new systems
• Experience working on high power plasma devices or experience with high-voltage capacitor and power supply experience
• High-voltage capacitor/power supply experience is desired but not required

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.