Join Helion as a Plasma Diagnostics Intern to design and test optical diagnostic components for fusion machines.
Posted by employer 1 month ago
First seen on Joblaze 1 month ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Skills & Technologies
What you'll build
- Prototype and bench test optical diagnostics
- Understand basic operations and bench test potential upgrades
Must have
- Ability to work full time, onsite in Everett, WA for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks during summer 2027
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- Must be able to complete their PhD program and commence full-time employment no later than May 2028
- GPA of 3.0 or above
- Basic understanding of benchtop optical test and measurement
- Basic proficiency with optical fiber alignment
Nice to have
- Optical modeling software skills such as Zemax a plus
Requirements
- Education
- PhD
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, years of experience, visa sponsorship.
Joblaze summary
The Plasma Diagnostics Intern at Helion will engage in the design, testing, and deployment of optical diagnostic systems that are crucial for analyzing the performance of fusion machines. Key skills include a solid foundation in physics or aerospace engineering, experience with optical testing, and proficiency in analysis software like MATLAB or Python. This role is ideal for PhD candidates nearing completion, particularly those with a background in plasma research. Helion's focus on urgent and rigorous problem-solving reflects its commitment to advancing fusion technology.
Joblaze insights
Quick facts
- Is the Plasma Diagnostics Summer 2027 Intern role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Everett, WA.
- Where is the role based?
- Helion is hiring for this position in Everett, WA.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Aerospace Engineering, MATLAB, Physics, Python, Zemax.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Helion targets intern candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Internship for this Plasma Diagnostics Summer 2027 Intern role at Helion.
From the original posting
What You Will Be Doing:
As a Plasma Diagnostics Intern you will work collaboratively to conceive, design, test, and deploy optical diagnostic components and systems that help us understand the performance of our fusion machines. Non-invasive optical probes are essential to our understanding of physical parameters in the core of our plasma and allow us to fine tune the operation of the machine to achieve fusion. We deploy a suite of optical probes that measure a wide range of plasma parameters such as density, temperature, plasma shape, and many more.
You Will:
Prototype and bench test optical diagnostics, for example polarimetry or components of optical interferometers
Understand basic operations and bench test potential upgrades to performance (e.g., on polarimetry or interferometry)
Required Skills:
Ability to work full time, onsite in Everett, WA for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks during summer 2027
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with relevant experience in plasma science
Must be able to complete their current degree program and begin full-time employment no later than June 2028
GPA of 3.0 or above
Basic understanding of benchtop optical test and measurement
Basic proficiency with optical fiber alignment
General optical lab experience/ basic knowledge of laser and laser safety
Proficiency with analysis software such as MATLAB or Python
Optical modeling software skills such as Zemax a plus, but not necessary
Standard company text repeated across Helion's postings is omitted here.