R&D Engineer - Fusion Generator Operations

Reposted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Everett, WA, USA
In-Office
130K-220K Annually
Mid level
Energy
The Role
The R&D Engineer will operate and advance pulsed-fusion devices, ensuring safe and reliable experiments, system readiness, and continuous improvement of machine performance.
Summary Generated by Built In

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 help operate and advance the most powerful, pulsed-fusion device ever constructed to generate electrical power. As a member of the Research and Development team, you will play a critical role in the safe, reliable, and repeatable operation of high-energy fusion systems. You will contribute to the execution of fusion experiments, system readiness, and continuous improvement of machine performance.

You Will:

  • Operate and support the day-to-day execution of Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) fusion experiments, ensuring safe and repeatable machine performance

  • Control and monitor pulsed power systems, including mega-joule capacitor banks and high-energy infrastructure, with a focus on operational reliability and readiness

  • Own system readiness for experiments, including pre-shot setup, system checks, troubleshooting, and analysis

  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve issues in high-energy and large-scale vacuum systems to minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency

  • Apply plasma physics concepts to support experiment execution and interpret diagnostics for magnetic fields, fusion products, and plasma characteristics

  • Drive continuous improvement of machine operations, including refining procedures, improving system robustness, and reducing variability in experimental results

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, science, and production teams to improve system performance and operational throughput

Required Skills:

  • B.S. with 4+ years of relevant experience, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field

  • Extensive hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or improving high-vacuum chamber systems or high-voltage capacitor systems

  • Experience owning system uptime, reliability, and performance, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis

  • Proven experience executing complex experiments or operations with a focus on repeatability, safety, and continuous improvement

  • Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn new technologies and take ownership of operational systems

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively to real-time issues with minimal supervision

  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team and contribute to a high-performance operational environment

  • Experience mentoring or training others in system operation is a plus

#LI-Onsite #LI-TM1

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

  • B.S. with 4+ years of relevant experience, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Extensive hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or improving high-vacuum chamber systems or high-voltage capacitor systems
  • Experience owning system uptime, reliability, and performance, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis
  • Proven experience executing complex experiments or operations with a focus on repeatability, safety, and continuous improvement
  • Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn new technologies and take ownership of operational systems
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively to real-time issues with minimal supervision
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team and contribute to a high-performance operational environment
  • Experience mentoring or training others in system operation is a plus

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
Everett, WA
100 Employees
Year Founded: 2013

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.

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