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:
We are looking for a Director of Experimental Science to lead a team of scientists and engineers in the design, implementation, and testing of devices and technologies aimed at enhancing fusion plasma performance. You will report directly to our Director of Plasma and Nuclear Science.
You Will:
Build, grow, and lead a team of scientists and engineers who will apply their knowledge and expertise in plasma physics to optimize Helion’s fusion devices
Provide clear and concise summaries of experimental campaign results, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and adjustments as needed
Work with Helion’s leadership to establish organizational roadmap, goals, and balance risks for the team that align with our strategy and take full ownership of accomplishing these goals
Oversee projects specific to experimental plasma science such as E&M probes; plasma pre-ionization; plasma-material interaction; device design and requirements; full device data collection, analysis and interpretation in coordination with other teams
Drive schedule ownership and optimization by team members to accelerate milestones
Drive experimental plasma and fusion deliverables to completion in collaboration with Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, R&D, and Production teams.
Required Skills:
Advanced degree in physics, or a related physical science discipline with a minimum of 10 years of scientific research experience and at least 5 years of experience managing a team of scientists or engineers in a research, development, or technology setting
Demonstrated experience building and leading multidisciplinary teams
Experience managing complex inter-departmental projects (including schedule ownership)
Demonstrated experience in applied physics, building and designing hardware
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.
Skills Required
- Advanced degree in physics or related physical science discipline
- Minimum 10 years of scientific research experience
- At least 5 years of experience managing a team of scientists or engineers
- Experience in applied physics, building and designing hardware
- Demonstrated experience managing complex inter-departmental projects
Helion Energy Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Helion Energy and has not been reviewed or approved by Helion Energy.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Compensation is considered competitive for many roles, with employer materials emphasizing competitively benchmarked pay. Total rewards commonly include salary plus equity and benefits that align with market expectations.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, and vision with options for fully employer‑paid premiums, HSA support, and core protections like life and disability. This breadth signals robust medical benefits for a growth‑stage company.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is broadly offered through stock options for all employees, positioning ownership as a meaningful part of total rewards. Employer communications consistently highlight equity participation as a differentiator.
Helion Energy Insights
What We Do
Helion is a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to enable a future with unlimited clean energy. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for everyone. Currently, we are scaling up our latest fusion prototype to make our vision a reality. We’re hiring brilliant scientists, engineers, and builders passionate about developing world-changing technologies. If that sounds like you, check out our open positions.
