Fusion 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.You'll work alongside engineers and scientists to transform ideas into prototypes, prototypes into experiments, and experiments into the next generation of Helion fusion machines.This isn't a routine technician role. It's a hands-on engineering role for people who enjoy solving complex technical challenges, building first-of-a-kind hardware, and working in a fast-paced R&D environment where every day presents new opportunities to build, test, troubleshoot, maintain, and improve cutting-edge fusion systems.One day, you might be troubleshooting high-voltage pulsed power hardware or repairing machine subsystems.
Next, you could be fabricating a prototype, integrating new diagnostics, supporting machine upgrades, or reconfiguring a test bay to enable the next phase of development for Helion fusion machines.You will:Collaborate with engineers and scientists to fabricate, assemble, integrate, test, troubleshoot, operate, maintain, and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systemsSupport the maintenance, repair, upgrade, and ongoing development of Polaris, Tiny Merge, and future generations of Helion fusion machinesInstall, integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain high-voltage pulsed power, vacuum, fuel delivery, cooling, and associated support systemsFabricate first-of-a-kind prototypes, custom assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and instrumentation enclosures that enable rapid engineering design iterationsPerform PCB assembly, soldering, rework, wiring harness fabrication, and custom cable buildsInstall, integrate, calibrate, and maintain diagnostics, sensors, cameras, and scientific instrumentation used to characterize machine performance and support experimental developmentSupport upgrades, modifications, and reconfiguration of experimental test infrastructure to enable evolving research and development activitiesPerform mechanical and electrical assembly using engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and work instructionsSafely operate scissor lifts, forklifts, overhead lifting equipment, and fall protection systems while working throughout Helion facilitiesCommunicate technical findings, project status, and troubleshooting results with engineers, scientists, and technical ownersCreate and maintain technical documentation, build records, test logs, and inventory while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellenceSupport either our 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM or 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM Monday through Friday schedule at our Everett, WA facilityRequired skills:5+ years of hands-on experience building, integrating, testing, operating, or maintaining complex electromechanical, industrial, or experimental hardware systemsDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation systems where root causes are not immediately apparentExperience developing, integrating, or supporting first-of-a-kind hardware in an R&D, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, semiconductor, robotics, or similar technical environmentStrong hands-on fabrication and prototyping skills, including mechanical assembly, machining, fixture design, and rapid hardware iterationProficiency with electrical assembly, wiring harnesses, cable fabrication, soldering, PCB assembly, and signal routingExperience using electrical test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and data acquisition equipmentAbility to read and interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical documentationExperience working safely around high-energy electrical or industrial systems while following established safety proceduresAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced R&D environment where priorities evolve as hardware and experiments matureStrong communication, organization, and documentation skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical issues and maintain accurate build and test recordsPreferred skills:Experience supporting vacuum systems, including rough vacuum, high vacuum, or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) equipment, vacuum hardware, leak detection, and vacuum instrumentationExperience with pulsed power systems, power electronics, or high-energy experimental equipmentExperience supporting experimental test infrastructure, laboratory environments, or prototype development programsExperience working in semiconductor, aerospace, plasma physics, or other advanced technology development environmentsBenefits:Medical, 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.