Experimental Scientist

The role

You will support the development, deployment, calibration, and operation of plasma diagnostics for fusion generators. This involves hands-on experimental work across plasma diagnostics, test campaigns, and high-vacuum systems.

What you will do

• Support the design, build, deployment, calibration, and commissioning of plasma diagnostic systems
• Contribute to the operation and troubleshooting of plasma diagnostics
• Work cross-functionally with plasma physics, machine operations, controls, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and data science teams
• Develop hands-on expertise in pre-ionization plasma diagnostics
• Analyze diagnostic data to identify trends and support experimental interpretation
• Document experimental procedures, calibration methods, test results, and lessons learned

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline, with a focus on plasma science, diagnostics, or high-vacuum instrumentation
• Relevant hands-on experience with plasma systems, advanced laboratory environments, high-vacuum systems, pulsed-power systems, or complex experimental hardware
• Experience supporting the design, build, calibration, troubleshooting, or operation of plasma diagnostics such as interferometry, spectroscopy, Langmuir probes, magnetic coils, electrostatic diagnosti
• Ability to operate autonomously on day-to-day technical tasks

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.