
Director of Materials Science
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 the integrated effort to develop and qualify materials for Helion's fusion generators. Your work will include materials selection, testing, irradiation studies, development of material property models, coordination with supply chain and licensing teams, and guiding strategic materials development. You will report to the leader of the Radiation Safety and Nuclear Science (RaSNS) team and this is an onsite role located at our Everett, WA office.
You Will:
- Create and lead a world-class materials team focused on material R&D, radiation effects, and material testing
- Develop and deploy materials critical to the success of a commercial fusion system
- Set team goals aligned with Helion’s strategy and take ownership for their execution
- Establish strong partnerships with Engineering and RaSNS teams to increase ROI on materials initiatives
- Oversee managers on the Materials team, including milestone planning, resource allocation, and performance management
- Build programs to understand complex mechanical properties and materials degradation, including cost estimation and scheduling
Required Skills:
- 10+ years of materials-related industry experience, including 5+ years managing technical teams delivering materials science or engineering projects to commercialization
- Proven experience growing a high-performing team of at least five subject matter experts and leading planning for company milestones
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead employees from diverse technical backgrounds
- Hands-on experience with material testing and characterization
- Track record of managing materials R&D resulting in use in commercial products or large-scale projects
- Experience with materials degradation phenomena including creep, fatigue, stress, corrosion, erosion, neutron irradiation effects, and hydrogen embrittlement
#LI-Onsite
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
$193,000 - $256,000 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.
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