Senior Computational Plasma Scientist - MHD

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:

Helion is hiring a Senior Computational Plasma Scientist. You will communicate with engineers and scientists on wide range of topics including plasma physics; magnetic field diffusion and eddy currents; circuit response and coupling; and structural mechanics. You will report to our Manager of Computational Science at our Everett, WA office.

You Will:

• Run our internal MHD code to simulate FRC dynamics for wide range of simulation conditions from the initial simulation setup to the postprocessing of the results 

• Calculate FRC dynamics, circuit response, and magnetic loads to help develop our fusion generators 

• Perform analysis to interpret experimental measurements by reproducing the experimental conditions with our internal MHD code 

• Collaborate with and learn from experts to expand your technical skillset and domain knowledge 

• Communicate simulation results and findings with accuracy and rigor to both scientists and engineers by preparing reports, presentations, and graphics 

Required Skills:

• PhD. in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Computational Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field

• 3+ years of post-graduation experience running, analyzing, or interpreting MHD simulations in academic, national lab, or industry settings

• Demonstrated ability to apply magnetic field diffusion, eddy current physics, circuit response, and transient electromagnetic effects to simulation setup, interpretation, and engineering tradeoffs 

• Strong understanding of FRC physics, with the ability to connect MHD simulation outputs to plasma behavior, experimental observations, and machine performance

• Experience writing scripts to analyze output, parse files, and create plots in a common coding language (e.g. MATLAB, Fortran, C, Python, etc.) 

• Experience independently designing and executing simulation studies, including model setup, assumptions, parameter scans, validation checks, sensitivity studies, and interpretation of results 

• Experience using computer simulation tools for circuit dynamics, fluid dynamics, transient magnetics, or plasma dynamics

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.