Helion Energy
Principal Experimental Scientist - RF
Everett, WA · Principal
Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 163 days ago
Data ScienceA/B TestingAerospace EngineeringElectrical EngineeringExperimental DesignLeadership
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Sponsors this role70
Entry-level history0
PERM / green-card track0
Lottery odds40
Fits your clock70
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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
- 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
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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