Job Description, Responsibilities & Requirements
About the Position
Senior Materials Engineer, Diagnostics
Location
Everett, WA
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Material Science
Compensation
- $164K – $236K
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 $1.5 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors including Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others to propel us forward. Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.
This is a pivotal time to join Helion. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths – values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, we will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
- Developing and deploying in-situ and ex-situ diagnostics for degradation and failure in fusion-relevant materials and components (e.g., first wall, magnets, insulators, capacitors, HV interfaces, seals)
- Translating failure and degradation modes into measurable signals using sensors, inspection methods, or indirect indicators
- Designing and executing coupled-stimuli experiments and post-irradiation examinations (PIE) to validate diagnostic methods
- Building test matrices and analysis plans linking microstructural evolution to sensor outputs and component performance
- Owning the materials diagnostics roadmap by converting risk assessments into diagnostic requirements (what to measure, where, how often, and accuracy)
- Collaborating with design engineers to embed diagnostics into hardware and ensure compatibility with system constraints
- Partnering with modeling teams to integrate diagnostic outputs into predictive models and maintenance strategies
- Productizing diagnostic methods and sensors for reliable deployment in fusion environments
- Documenting test plans, procedures, and design guidance; communicating results, risks, and recommendations across teams
Requirements
- BS with 10+ years, or MS/PhD with 5+ years, in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years (with PhD or MS) or 10+ years (with BS) of experience in at least one of:
- Materials diagnostics / NDE / SHM (strain, acoustic, optical, EM, fiberoptic, etc.).
- Familiarity with data analysis / feature extraction for degradation detection (Python preferred).
- Experience designing and executing coupled-stimuli experiments (e.g., thermomechanical, electrothermal, irradiation with stress)
- Experience embedding or integrating sensors into structural materials (ceramics, composites, polymers, or metals)
Nice to Have
- Experience in fusion, fission, accelerator, or high-radiation environments
- Experience with radiation effects and post-irradiation examination (PIE)
- Familiarity with high-voltage systems or safety-critical experimental environments
We Offer
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
About the Company
Helion is an equal opportunity employer and values 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.