Fusion Generators Manufacturing Automation EngineerWe 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 as well as new investors 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 DoingYou will develop, implement, and standardize automation and controls used in manufacturing Helion's fusion generators. By building in-house expertise in our manufacturing processes, you will help accelerate the transition from rapid prototyping to mass production—advancing Helion's mission to provide clean electricity for the planet.
This is an onsite role that reports directly to the Factory Development Manager at our Everett, WA office.You Will:Design, scale, and launch manufacturing equipment for new products being produced for the first time, including the development of automation system architecture and standards for deployment across multiple production linesProduce electrical one-line diagrams and schematics for automated manufacturing equipment; support integration with the factory's Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and set up equipment reporting to track Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and other critical machine dataCollaborate with stakeholders to develop and improve both existing and new testing processes; work across technical teams to understand product integration within pulsed power circuits to optimize test processes aligned with Helion's top-level generator goalsCollaborate with machine suppliers on high-level equipment design and functionality; support design reviews, acceptance testing, and equipment buyoff to ensure seamless integration into manufacturing operationsImplement safety systems that comply with ANSI, ISO, and OSHA standards for high-volume manufacturing equipment to ensure operational safety and regulatory adherenceTroubleshoot down equipment, identify root causes, and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurrence and ensure sustained manufacturing uptime and efficiencyRequired Skills:Bachelor's degree in engineering with a minimum of 5 years of experience working with manufacturing controls in high-volume manufacturing environmentsProficient in electrical schematic design and PLC programming using ladder logic, function block, or structured text (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens)Experienced in programming industrial robots, including systems such as Fanuc and KukaSkilled in designing safety systems for automated machines, with relevant experience or qualifications in safety compliance and risk mitigationAbility to apply physics-based first principles to challenge design requirements and underlying assumptions, driving better engineering outcomesStrong communication skills with proven success influencing cross-functional partners and building effective partnerships with supply chain and production teamsBenefitsMedical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter breakUp to 5% employer 401(k) matchShort term disability, long term disability, and life insurancePaid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)Annual wellness stipendHelion 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.