Materials Engineer

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. 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.

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 non-standard 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

• 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

Compensation Range

$159K - $208K