Experimental Scientist, X-ray Diagnostics

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 over $1 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group and new investors SoftBank and Lightspeed to propel us forward. Our last prototype, Trenta, completed 10,000 high-power pulses and reached plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (9 keV). Now, we're turning up operations for Polaris, working towards delivering the world's first fusion power plant.

More than ever, it's a pivotal time to join us and have the opportunity to solve real challenges to create a better energy future. You will see first-hand how we value urgency, rigor, ownership, and hard truths, knowing it will take each to do what no one has before. Joining us, you will push the boundaries of what's possible and transform humanity for the better - because the world can't wait.

What You Will Be Doing:

Helion is hiring an Experimental Scientist to lead our x-ray diagnostic efforts. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers on a wide range of topics including plasma physics, spectroscopy, data analysis, documentation, and more. You will report to the Director of Experimental Science at our Everett, WA office.

You Will:

• Lead our x-ray diagnostics efforts including conceptualizing, designing, constructing, and deploying x-ray spectroscopic tools for fusion plasma diagnostics.
• Own diagnostics for x-ray spectroscopy and cameras for spatially resolved x-ray emission on fusion devices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally by supporting fellow scientists in optical and non-optical diagnostics techniques and participate as a diagnostic subject matter expert during experimental campaigns.
• Analyze, report, and document results. Develop data analysis routines that incorporate several spectroscopic probes to extract relevant plasma parameters and document diagnostic methodologies.

Required Skills:

• PhD in physics or engineering, or related field with relevant experience in fusion plasmas.
• 3+ years of experience in a laboratory environment with hands-on experience.
• Broad experience in plasma physics and plasma diagnostic principles with relevant experience in fusions plasmas.
• Experience developing, deploying, and commissioning x-ray diagnostics including spectroscopy and cameras for fusion plasmas.
• Experience using data from diagnostic instruments to accomplish research goals or achieve mission goals.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deploy diagnostic instrumentation onto large scale experiments.

#LI-ONSITE #LI-AM1

Total Compensation and Benefits

Helion's compensation package includes a competitively benchmarked base salary, meaningful equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Final compensation is determined through a holistic evaluation of your experience, qualifications, and our commitment to internal equity - ensuring fairness and transparency across our teams. We are committed to fostering a fair and equitable environment in every aspect of our operations, including compensation.

This is an exempt salaried role.

Annual Base Pay

$120,000-$160,000 USD

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.