Capacitor R&D Supervisor

Job Description

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.

Role Summary

The Supervisor of Capacitor Manufacturing R&D leads the day-to-day execution of capacitor development and R&D manufacturing activities. This role directly oversees Engineering Technicians supporting prototype builds, process development, and early manufacturing readiness, while partnering closely with engineering, production, and EHS.

The supervisor is accountable for safe execution, technical rigor, team performance, and delivery of R&D build objectives. This role focuses on translating engineering intent into executable work, building technical capability within the team, and ensuring R&D efforts scale cleanly toward manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Directly supervise Engineering Technicians supporting capacitor R&D and development builds
• Set daily and weekly priorities, assign work, and balance resources across R&D activities.
• Coach, develop, and evaluate engineering technicians with a focus on technical growth and rigor.
• Provide real-time feedback, performance management, and escalation when needed.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training of new engineering technicians.

R&D Manufacturing Execution

• Own execution of capacitor R&D builds, prototypes, and pilot runs
• Ensure work is performed safely, accurately, and in alignment with engineering intent.
• Coordinate build schedules, staffing needs, and resource constraints.
• Drive timely delivery of R&D objectives while maintaining quality and documentation standards.

Technical Rigor & Process Ownership

• Ensure disciplined execution of experimental builds, trials, and process changes.
• Partner with engineers to translate designs and experiments into clear execution plans.
• Review build results, data quality, and documentation completeness.
• Enforce standard work where applicable while enabling controlled experimentation.

Transition to Manufacturing Readiness

• Act as a key interface between R&D and production teams.
• Identify manufacturability risks early and drive mitigation plans.
• Support development of work instructions, training materials, and handoffs to production.
• Ensure R&D processes are documented sufficiently to enable repeatability.

Equipment, Tooling & Area Ownership

• Own the day-to-day operation and readiness of R&D manufacturing equipment.
• Ensure safe setup, use, and maintenance of specialized tools and fixtures.
• Coordinate troubleshooting, calibration, and upgrades with engineering and maintenance.
• Maintain organization, 6S, and material flow in the R&D manufacturing area.

Safety, Quality, & Compliance

• Enforce EHS, safety, and quality standards at all times.
• Ensure R&D work follows approved safety assessments and procedures.
• Support nonconformance investigations and corrective actions as needed.
• Promote a strong culture of safe experimentation and disciplined execution.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, R&D, or technical operations
• 2+ years of experience leading or supervising technical teams.
• Strong hands-on background in electro-mechanical or precision manufacturing
• Demonstrated ability to manage people, priorities, and technical execution simultaneously.
• Experience working closely with engineers in fast-changing development environments.
• Data-driven approach to tracking progress, issues, and outcomes

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: $111K - $140K