Experimental Scientist

What You Will Be Doing:

Helion is hiring an Experimental Scientist to support the development, deployment, calibration, and operation of plasma diagnostics for Helion’s fusion generators. In this role, you will contribute to hands-on experimental work across plasma diagnostics, test campaigns, and high-vacuum systems while partnering closely with scientists, engineers, machine operators, and data teams. This is an onsite role that reports directly to our Director of Plasma and Nuclear Science at our Everett, WA office.

You Will:

• Support the design, build, deployment, calibration, and commissioning of plasma diagnostic systems for Helion’s fusion generators, operating with autonomy on defined tasks and workstreams while escalating technical risks or tradeoffs when appropriate

• Contribute to the operation and troubleshooting of plasma diagnostics used to evaluate plasma parameters such as density, temperature, current profiles, and other key performance indicators

• Work cross-functionally with plasma physics, machine operations, controls, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and data science teams to support diagnostic readiness for experimental campaigns and testbeds

• Develop hands-on expertise in pre-ionization plasma diagnostics, helping establish consistent methods and practices that support next-generation fusion device development

• Analyze diagnostic data to identify trends, support experimental interpretation, and inform operational tuning, hardware improvements, or follow-up testing

• Document experimental procedures, calibration methods, test results, and lessons learned to improve consistency, reliability, and knowledge sharing across Helion’s experimental programs

Required Skills:

• 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 diagnostics, optical diagnostics, or related measurement systems

• Ability to operate autonomously on day-to-day technical tasks, apply critical thinking across multiple inputs, and escalate issues appropriately when technical risk, scope, or priority requires broader alignment

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families

• 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break

• Up to 5% employer 401(k) match

• Annual wellness stipend