Principal Experimental Scientist - RF
About Helion
Helion is a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, dedicated to building the world's first fusion power plant. The company aims to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone. Founded in 2013, Helion has raised $1.5 billion from various investors, including Sam Altman, Mithril, Capricorn Investment Group, Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others. Helion's current prototype, Polaris, has achieved record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is on the path to developing Orion, the world's first fusion power plant.
What You Will Be Doing
You will be leading the development of Helion’s RF pre-ionization capability for its fusion generators. Your responsibilities include owning the strategy, technical direction, and execution of RF plasma source development for the FRC system. You will translate plasma physics goals into robust experimental hardware and operational capability, developing and optimizing high-performance RF systems to achieve target plasma density, stability, and coupling efficiency. Additionally, you will define and deploy the diagnostic strategy needed to measure and improve performance, integrating cross-disciplinary technical input from plasma physics, controls, machine operations, electrical engineering, and data science to align RF development with Helion’s machine roadmap. You will also partner with technical leadership on strategic planning, long-range roadmap development, and identifying new RF/plasma startup concepts for future Helion systems.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. in physics, plasma physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline with strong relevance to RF plasma systems, plasma sources, or fusion experimentation
- 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
- Deep expertise in RF plasma source development, antenna/coupling design, RF-plasma interactions, or related high-energy plasma hardware
- 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
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
$230K - $270K