Principal Experimental Scientist - RF

The role

You will lead the development of RF pre-ionization capability for fusion generators. This involves owning the strategy, technical direction, and execution of RF plasma source development for the FRC system.

What you will do

• Own the end-to-end technical development of RF pre-ionization capability for FRC startup
• Lead hands-on experimental work with RF hardware, antenna and coupling design, plasma diagnostics, and operational procedures
• Develop and optimize high-performance RF plasma source systems
• Define and deploy the diagnostic strategy to characterize RF-driven plasma formation and performance
• Integrate cross-disciplinary technical input across plasma physics, machine operations, controls, electrical engineering, and data science
• Partner with technical leadership on strategic planning and long-range roadmap development

Required qualifications

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

About the company

Helion is a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant. The company has raised $1.5 billion from investors to develop fusion energy.