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 $1.5 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors including Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others to propel us forward. Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.
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:
As a Plasma Diagnostics Intern you will work collaboratively to conceive, design, test, and deploy optical diagnostic components and systems that help us understand the performance of our fusion machines. Non-invasive optical probes are essential to our understanding of physical parameters in the core of our plasma and allow us to fine tune the operation of the machine to achieve fusion. We deploy a suite of optical probes that measure a wide range of plasma parameters such as density, temperature, plasma shape, and many more.
You Will:
Prototype and bench test optical diagnostics, for example polarimetry or components of optical interferometers
Understand basic operations and bench test potential upgrades to performance (e.g., on polarimetry or interferometry)
Required Skills:
Ability to work full time, onsite in Everett, WA for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks during summer 2027
Currently pursuing a PhD in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with relevant experience in plasmas
Must be able to complete their PhD program and commence full-time employment no later than May 2028
GPA of 3.0 or above
Basic understanding of benchtop optical test and measurement
Basic proficiency with optical fiber alignment
General optical lab experience/ basic knowledge of laser and laser safety
Proficiency with analysis software such as MATLAB or Python
Optical modeling software skills such as Zemax a plus, but not necessary
#LI-Onsite #LI-TM1
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- Relevant experience with plasmas
- Ability to work full-time onsite in Everett, Washington, for at least 12 consecutive weeks during summer 2027
- Ability to complete the PhD program and begin full-time employment by May 2028
- GPA of 3.0 or above
- Basic understanding of benchtop optical testing and measurement
- Basic proficiency with optical fiber alignment
- General optical laboratory experience and basic knowledge of laser and laser safety
- Proficiency with MATLAB or Python
- Optical modeling software skills such as Zemax
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.
