Helion · 11 hours ago
Principal Experimental Scientist
Everett, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$250K/yr - $290K/yr
10+ years expHelion is a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, aiming to build the world's first fusion power plant for clean electricity. The Principal Experimental Scientist will lead the plasma diagnostic effort, overseeing the design and deployment of diagnostic systems and collaborating with various experts to ensure operational success and scientific advancement.
EnergyEnvironmental EngineeringRenewable Energy
Responsibilities
Own the end-to-end design and deployment of a comprehensive suite of plasma diagnostics, collaborating closely with physicists, engineers, designers, and data analysts to ensure robust, scalable instrumentation that meets both experimental and operational requirements
Integrate cross-disciplinary technical input from experts across Helion—including plasma physics, machine operations, controls, and data science—to align diagnostic capabilities with real-time operational needs and long-term scientific milestones
Lead the hands-on execution of assembly, installation, calibration, and commissioning processes for diagnostics across multiple campaigns and testbeds. Ensure high data fidelity through rigorous validation and alignment procedures
Develop foundational expertise in pre-ionization plasma diagnostics, establishing best practices and internal methodologies that inform next-generation fusion device development optimized for energy gain and power conversion
Analyze diagnostic data in real time to extract actionable insights about plasma behavior, inform operational tuning, and identify opportunities for performance optimization and system redesign
Partners with leadership across the organization, contributing to strategic planning, roadmap development, and long-term technical vision
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline, with a focus on plasma science, diagnostics, or high-vacuum instrumentation
10+ years of experience working in advanced laboratory environments, with extensive hands-on work involving plasma generation, plasma systems, and UHV vacuum infrastructure
Demonstrated track record using diagnostic measurements (e.g., interferometry, spectroscopy, Langmuir probes, magnetic coils, electrostatic diagnostics) to evaluate plasma parameters such as density, temperature, and current profiles, directly influencing system improvements
Deep expertise and unique domain knowledge in multiple areas of plasma diagnostics and fusion engineering. Recognized as a subject matter expert who operates independently
Benefits
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
Company
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.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Helion has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (1)
2023 (2)
2022 (1)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.04BKey Investors
Nucor CorporationSam AltmanDustin Moskovitz
2025-01-28Series F· $425M
2023-09-27Corporate Round· $35M
2021-11-05Series E· $500M
Leadership Team
David Kirtley
Founder and CEO
Chris Pihl
Co-Founder, CTO
Recent News
2025-12-24
Crunchbase News
2025-12-18
Company data provided by crunchbase