Supplier Development Engineer (m/w/d)

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 develop supplier manufacturing capabilities, improve supplier quality systems, and support Helion’s shift from rapid prototyping to mass production of fusion generators—advancing our mission to deliver clean electricity to the planet. This position requires full-time onsite presence, and you will report to the Senior Manager of Mechanical Engineering at our Everett, WA, location.

You Will

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to understand design intent and ensure manufacturability of mechanical components and assemblies
• Evaluate and qualify suppliers by assessing manufacturing processes and quality systems, and defining technical and quality requirements
• Identify and develop new supplier capabilities in manufacturing and metrology to support scaling and new product introduction
• Drive improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and capacity metrics through data analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier quality issues, coordinating across engineering, procurement, and production
• Develop and manage the production part approval process (PPAP), process controls, and compliance documentation

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing mechanical systems such as machining, assembly, or fabrication
• Experience managing external suppliers
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes such as production part approval process (PPAP), advanced product quality planning (APQP), and first article inspection reports (FAIRs)
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods such as design of experiments (DOE) and Six Sigma
• Strong analytical skills; applies first principles and method-based thinking to complex engineering problems
• Hands-on exposure to engineering disciplines or manufacturing methods
• Ability to travel 25–50%; valid driver’s license required

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

$104,000 - $164,000 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.