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Senior R&D 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 Senior 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 Senior R&D Technician on the R&D team, you will report to our R&D 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, 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
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Perform duties safely and efficiently

Key Qualifications and Skills

  • 5+ years of relevant hands-on experience as an Advanced 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 and maintenance of mechanical and electrical scientific equipment
  • Hands-on experience with electric hand tools and basic fabrication tools (e.g., drills, saws, mills, lathes, drill press, sanders, etc.)
  • Experienced 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 and training in building high voltage, laser, vacuum, or cryogenic systems welcomed
  • Certification and familiarity with Mobile Elevated Work Platform, Fall Protection, Forklift, and Crane operations welcomed
  • Experience reading technical drawings and electrical schematics
  • Support a day shift schedule from Monday through Thursday 6:00 am to 4:30 pm or mid-shift schedule from Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am to 8:30 pm

#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 a non-exempt hourly role.

Hourly Pay Rate

$37 - $51 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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