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R&D Test Technician

Everett, WA

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: 

We are looking for a R&D Technician to help bring the most powerful, controlled pulsed-fusion device ever constructed online with the goal of generating electrical power. We know this hasn't been done before, so we are looking for individuals who have translatable experience that can help us accomplish our goals. As a R&D Technician on the Test Ops team, you will report to our Fusion Test Technician Supervisor at our Everett, WA office.

You will

  • Collaborate with a versatile team to fabricate, assemble, test, troubleshoot, deploy, operate, maintain, and repair various mechanical, electrical, and electronic assemblies.

  • Install, align, and maintain our high voltage pulsed power systems, including ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and fuel systems

  • Fabricate and build unique rapid prototypes, assemblies, and instrumentation boxes. Support revision iterations according to engineering specifications

  • Perform PCB soldering (THT and SMT), assembly, rework, and cable soldering to industry standards

  • Help with upgrades, modification, and reconfiguration of test bays to support ongoing test and research projects

  • Work at different heights using scissor lifts, pick lifts, and safety harness within Helion facilities

  • Communicate project activity, status, and issues to technical owners

  • Help create and maintain documentation and participate in redline reviews

  • Develop and maintain new inventory of consumables and parts

  • High attention to detail and the ability to execute all tasks rigorously

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Self-motivated with the ability to perform duties safely and efficiently with minimal supervision

Key Qualifications and Skills

  • 2+ years of relevant experience as an Electrical or Mechanical Technician, with a focus on rapid prototyping and iteration in a research, fabrication, or test lab environment

  • Must be comfortable working in confined spaces for extended periods and able to lift at least 50 pounds safely

  • Demonstrated experience in fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, deployment, operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical scientific equipment

  • Basic understanding of building, repair, and modification of high vacuum chamber systems including associated parts and electromechanical assemblies

  • Hands-on experience with electric hand tools and basic fabrication tools (e.g., drills, saws, mills, lathes, drill press, sanders, etc.)

  • Proficient in PCB assembly, rework, and cable soldering, with a working knowledge of IPC standards. Specialized training certification welcomed.

  • Familiarity working with DMMs, oscilloscopes, LCR meters, HV probes, thermocouples, calipers, and other common measurement equipment. Previous knowledge of measurement and diagnostic sensors (e.g., interferometers, spectrometers, fiber collimators, strain gauges, cameras, thermal cameras, etc.) welcomed

  • Experience reading technical drawings and electrical schematics

Compensation and Benefits

At Helion, we are committed to fostering a fair and equitable environment in every aspect of our operations, including compensation. We ensure all our roles are competitively benchmarked and our total compensation package includes a base salary, comprehensive benefits, and equity grants, giving you a true stake in Helion's success. Final compensation is determined through a holistic evaluation of your experience, qualifications, and our commitment to maintaining internal equity, ensuring fairness and transparency across our teams.

This is a non-exempt hourly role.

Hourly Pay Rate

$32 - $40 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  

NOTE: Underrepresented people are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the job's requirements. We believe in hiring people, not checklists, and encourage you to apply even if you do not check all of the boxes. If this job isn't the one, we have many other openings that may be a fit.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. If we reach out to you to begin an interview process, we will also ask if you require any reasonable accommodation at that time.

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