Helion Energy

Senior Experimental Scientist

Everett, WA

$150,000-$200,000

On-site

Oil and Gas

About This Job

About Helion

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 and 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). Now, we're turning up operations for Polaris, working towards delivering the world's first fusion power plant.

More than ever, it's a pivotal time to join us and have the opportunity to solve real challenges to create a better energy future. You will see first-hand how we value urgency, rigor, ownership, and hard truths, knowing it will take each to do what no one has before. Joining us, you will push the boundaries of what's possible and transform humanity for the better - because the world can't wait.

What You Will Be Doing:

You will lead cutting-edge projects in plasma generation and heating for fusion energy on Helion's Advanced Concepts Team. You will manage rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept technologies, oversee multiple emerging systems, and contribute to the development of advanced fusion generator concepts. Over time, you will mentor junior scientists, lead more complex projects, and grow into other subject matter areas. You will report to the Director of Radiation Safety and Nuclear Science and this is an onsite role located at our Everett, WA office.

You Will:

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Lead the design, prototyping, and testing of major approaches to pre-ionization systems for field-reversed configurations

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Develop and test heating systems to achieve keV ions and 10–100 eV electrons. Systems may include cathodes, barrier antennas, LTDs, and MPDs

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Formulate detailed design criteria for full-system integration and manufacturing

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Work with high-energy pulsed power systems to support the development of next-generation fusion technologies

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Manage and deliver R&D projects on rapid timelines, iterating through design, build, and test cycles

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Analyze complex experimental data and present findings clearly to cross-functional teams

Required Skills:

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Hands-on expertise working with electrical systems storing more than 40 J of energy

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Experience heating ions to 500–5000 eV at densities greater than 1e19 m^-3 in multiple machines such as gridded ion thrusters

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Experience heating electrons at densities greater than 1e19 m^-3 to 10–100 eV using cathodes, MPDs, RMF, or LTD systems

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Track record of managing and successfully delivering R&D projects on tight timelines that led to technology used in commercial products or major project subsystems

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Proficiency in data analysis and technical communication using coding languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++

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Experience in design, prototyping, and testing in fast-paced, experimental environments

#LI-Onsite #LI-TM1

Benefits

Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:

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Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families

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31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)

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10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break

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Up to 5% employer 401(k) match

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Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance

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Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)

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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.

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