Materials Engineer
About The Position
Helion is 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. The company has raised over $1 billion and is currently operating its Polaris prototype. This is a pivotal time to join Helion, where you will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths. You will own well-defined workstreams in the lab, designing and running experiments, developing and refining test setups and procedures, and turning data into clear recommendations. You'll partner closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to translate results into design and process changes, while receiving guidance on priorities and broader strategy. This is an onsite role located at our Everett, WA office.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
- Hands on experience with failure analysis of materials or components, ideally including electrical insulation systems (e.g., capacitors, HV components, cables, coils) and typical degradation mechanisms.
- 3+ years of experience with general materials characterization and FA tools, such as: Optical and/or SEM microscopy, Mechanical or physical property testing, Dielectric testing and/or basic electrical characterization, Polymer characterization tools (e.g., FTIR, DSC, TGA or similar)
- Experience working in a lab environment with custom or nonstandard setups, including: Fixture assembly and basic design, Instrumentation and test scripting or manual test control, Safe operation under written procedures
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with examples of clear, timely updates and effective collaboration with cross functional partners.
- Experienced with process oriented approach to lab work, including consistent documentation, good sample hygiene, and adherence to safety protocols.
Responsibilities
- Plan and run materials test campaigns on materials
- Lead failure investigations on structural and polymer-based insulation systems and related components (e.g., insulators, capacitor dielectrics, foils, oils, seals, HV/electrical interfaces) within your scope
- Develop and follow lab procedures and checklists for your test areas
- Provide materials input to designs in your domain
- Be an effective team-member in cross-functional teams and communicate on a regular cadence
- Support and mentor lab technologists on specific test methods and setups you own, and collaborate with peers to troubleshoot experiments and fixtures
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
