Helion Energy
Principal Experimental Scientist - RF
Everett, WA · Principal
Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 77 days ago
Data ScienceA/B TestingAerospace EngineeringElectrical EngineeringExperimental DesignLeadership
About the role
- Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Helion is hiring a Principal Experimental Scientist to lead the development of our RF pre-ionization capability for Helion's fusion generators.
- In this role, you will own the strategy, technical direction, and execution of RF plasma source development for our FRC system, translating plasma physics goals into robust experimental hardware and operational capability.
- You will develop, optimize, and validate high-performance RF systems to achieve target plasma density, stability, and coupling efficiency, while defining the diagnostic and experimental approach needed to measure and improve performance.
- Own the end-to-end technical development of Helion's RF pre-ionization capability for FRC startup, including concept development, experimental design, execution, validation, and performance improvement
- Lead hands-on experimental work spanning RF hardware, antenna and coupling design, plasma diagnostics, and operational procedures to deliver repeatable plasma startup performance
- Develop and optimize high-performance RF plasma source systems to achieve targeted plasma density, stability, and coupling efficiency
- Partner with technical leadership on strategic planning, long-range roadmap development, and identification of new RF/plasma startup concepts for future Helion systems
- 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.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in advanced laboratory or R&D environments, including substantial hands-on work with plasma generation systems, RF hardware, vacuum systems, and experimental campaign execution
- Strong background in plasma diagnostics and data interpretation, with experience using measurement systems to evaluate plasma parameters such as density, temperature, stability, coupling, and current behavior
- Demonstrated track record of independently leading complex experimental programs from concept through validation, including cross-functional technical coordination and translation of results into system improvements
- Recognized subject matter expertise in one or more areas relevant to RF-assisted plasma startup, pre-ionization physics, experimental plasma systems, or fusion-enabling hardware
Skills
- 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
- Annual wellness stipend
- Helion is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.
Compensation
- Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:
Benefits
- Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
- We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Equal opportunity
- equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.
- If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.
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