Mechanical Engineering Manager - Thermal

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 the thermo-mechanical hardware design efforts for Helion's fusion devices. Your role will focus on solving complex, high-impact problems that influence system performance, while also growing a high-performing engineering team. You will establish technical standards, drive execution, and shape design processes to increase the speed and quality of innovation. You will report to the Senior Manager of Mechanical Engineering and this is an onsite role located at our Everett, WA office.

You Will

• Grow and mentor a team of multidisciplinary thermo-mechanical engineers
• Oversee the design, development, and optimization of thermal management strategies across the machine
• Drive high-level architectural decisions on thermal processes, energy recovery, and plant design schemes
• Lead validation of thermal models through subscale testing, instrumentation design, and correlation of experimental data
• Drive integration of thermal subsystems within vacuum environments, cryogenic systems, and high-heat-flux components

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 5+ years of thermal/mechanical engineering experience, including 2+ years in an engineering management role
• Demonstrated ability to hire and grow engineers providing impactful career development
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams with full-scope project ownership
• Proven ability to manage complex engineering projects with schedule accountability
• Hands-on exposure to multiple engineering disciplines such as mechanical, thermal, and fluids
• Ability to apply engineering first-principles and structured problem-solving to technical challenges

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

$170,000 - $200,000 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.