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Test Automation Engineer

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:

You will lead the design and implementation of automated testing systems for capacitors and pallets used for energy storage in Helion’s fusion generators. This role is critical to establishing in-house capabilities for high-voltage testing of pulse power systems. You will accelerate Helion’s transition from rapid prototyping to generator mass manufacturing, delivering on Helion’s mission of providing clean electricity for the planet. This is an onsite role that reports directly to the Senior Manager of Manufacturing at our Everett, WA office.

You Will:

  • Own Helion’s proprietary testing systems and collaborate with stakeholders to develop and improve existing and new processes. The role may expand based on interests and performance
  • Develop testing processes that enable high volume production of in-house capacitors, robust in-line and end-of-line testing, and accelerated qualification testing to validate new manufacturing processes
  • Develop in-depth technical understanding of high voltage testing processes and pulse power capacitors
  • Work across technical teams to deeply understand how Helion’s Products are used within our pulsed power circuits to optimize test process for Helion’s top-level generator goals
  • Create electrical system architecture and work with designers to produce electrical schematics and installation drawings
  • Develop testing programs, visualization and data collection systems for automated test booths
  • Build data analysis tools to notify operations teams on process health and Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
  • Partner with Design to iterate on design and improve Design for Manufacturability
  • Support integration of our factory MES system with testing equipment
  • Troubleshoot down equipment, establish root cause and implement solutions to prevent reoccurrence
  • Collaborate with peer engineers and external vendors on commissioning activities of new manufacturing equipment and lines

Required Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering
  • 3+ years of manufacturing experience, including high-volume manufacturing processes
  • Experience developing semi-automated or fully-automated production processes
  • Proficiency with test automation software including MatLab, LabView, and Python
  • Familiarity with test automation protocols including SCPI and GPIB
  • Ability to apply first-principles physics to evaluate and improve design requirements and assumptions
  • Experience working cross-functionally with design engineering, supply chain, and production teams

#LI-ONSITE #LI-AM1

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

$123,000 - $164,000 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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