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Helion

R&D Test Engineer

Everett, USAOn-sitePosted 3 days ago

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Job type
Full-time
Work mode
On-site
Level
Not listed
Department
Engineering
Experience
2+ years experience
Posted
Sep 30, 2026

About the role

What You Will Be Doing:

You will help operate and advance the most powerful, pulsed-fusion device ever constructed to generate electrical power. As a member of the Research and Development team, you will play a critical role in the safe, reliable, and repeatable operation of high-energy fusion systems. You will contribute to the execution of fusion experiments, system readiness, and continuous improvement of machine performance.

You Will:

  • Operate and support the day-to-day execution of Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) fusion experiments, ensuring safe and repeatable machine performance
  • Control and monitor pulsed power systems, including mega-joule capacitor banks and high-energy infrastructure, with a focus on operational reliability and readiness
  • Own system readiness for experiments, including pre-shot setup, system checks, troubleshooting, and analysis
  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve issues in high-energy and large-scale vacuum systems to minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency
  • Apply plasma physics concepts to support experiment execution and interpret diagnostics for magnetic fields, fusion products, and plasma characteristics
  • Drive continuous improvement of machine operations, including refining procedures, improving system robustness, and reducing variability in experimental results
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, science, and production teams to improve system performance and operational throughput

Required Skills:

  • B.S. with 4+ years of relevant experience, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Extensive hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or improving high-vacuum chamber systems or high-voltage capacitor systems
  • Experience owning system uptime, reliability, and performance, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis
  • Proven experience executing complex experiments or operations with a focus on repeatability, safety, and continuous improvement
  • Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn new technologies and take ownership of operational systems
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively to real-time issues with minimal supervision
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team and contribute to a high-performance operational environment
  • Experience mentoring or training others in system operation is a plus

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