Materials Engineer

Role details

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

You will own well defined workstreams in the lab: designing and running experiments, developing and refining test setups and procedures, and turning data into clear recommendations. You'll partner closely with senior engineers and cross functional teams to translate results into design and process changes, while receiving guidance on priorities and broader strategy. You will report to the Materials Manager, and this is an onsite role located at our Everett, WA office.

You Will

• Plan and run materials test campaigns on materials
• Lead failure investigations on structural and polymer-based insulation systems and related components (e.g., insulators, capacitor dielectrics, foils, oils, seals, HV/electrical interfaces) within your scope
• Develop and follow lab procedures and checklists for your test areas
• Provide materials input to designs in your domain
• Be an effective team-member in cross-functional teams and communicate on a regular cadence
• Support and mentor lab technologists on specific test methods and setups you own, and collaborate with peers to troubleshoot experiments and fixtures

Required Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Hands on experience with failure analysis of materials or components, ideally including electrical insulation systems (e.g., capacitors, HV components, cables, coils) and typical degradation mechanisms.
• 3+ years of experience with general materials characterization and FA tools, such as:
• Optical and/or SEM microscopy
• Mechanical or physical property testing
• Dielectric testing and/or basic electrical characterization
• Polymer characterization tools (e.g., FTIR, DSC, TGA or similar)

• Experience working in a lab environment with custom or nonstandard setups, including:
• Fixture assembly and basic design
• Instrumentation and test scripting or manual test control
• Safe operation under written procedures

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with examples of clear, timely updates and effective collaboration with cross functional partners.
• Experienced with process oriented approach to lab work, including consistent documentation, good sample hygiene, and adherence to safety protocols.

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.* Compensation Range: $159K - $208K