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Senior Experimental Scientist

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 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 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:

  • Lead the design, prototyping, and testing of major approaches to pre-ionization systems for field-reversed configurations
  • Develop and test heating systems to achieve keV ions and 10–100 eV electrons. Systems may include cathodes, barrier antennas, LTDs, and MPDs
  • Formulate detailed design criteria for full-system integration and manufacturing
  • Work with high-energy pulsed power systems to support the development of next-generation fusion technologies
  • Manage and deliver R&D projects on rapid timelines, iterating through design, build, and test cycles
  • Analyze complex experimental data and present findings clearly to cross-functional teams

Required Skills:

  • Hands-on expertise working with electrical systems storing more than 40 J of energy
  • Experience heating ions to 500–5000 eV at densities greater than 1e19 m^-3 in multiple machines such as gridded ion thrusters
  • Experience heating electrons at densities greater than 1e19 m^-3 to 10–100 eV using cathodes, MPDs, RMF, or LTD systems
  • 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
  • Proficiency in data analysis and technical communication using coding languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++
  • Experience in design, prototyping, and testing in fast-paced, experimental environments

#LI-Onsite #LI-TM1

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

$150,000 - $200,000 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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