Capacitor R&D Supervisor

Fusion Energy Base; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

31 Days of PTO

10 Paid holidays

Up to 5% employer 401(k) match

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Fusion Energy Base in Everett, WA is seeking a qualified candidate to lead capacitor R&D builds and pilot manufacturing. In this pivotal role, you will manage a growing team of Engineering Technicians, ensuring safe and effective execution of projects while translating engineering concepts into actionable manufacturing processes.

This position requires a strong technical background with a minimum of 5 years in manufacturing or R&D and proven leadership capabilities. Fusion Energy Base offers an array of benefits including comprehensive health plans and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in manufacturing, R&D, or technical operations.
• 2+ years leading technical teams in fast-paced environments.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and improve processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D builds and pilot manufacturing.
• Translate engineering intent into high-quality manufacturing processes.
• Analyze data to identify process gaps and improvements.
• Lead a team of Engineering Technicians.

Skills

Hands-on process development

Leading technical teams

Troubleshooting manufacturing processes

Data-driven mindset

Strong communication skills

Job description

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 over $1 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors SoftBank and Lightspeed to propel us forward. Our last prototype, Trenta, completed 10,000 high-power pulses and reached plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (9keV). We are now operating Polaris, our next prototype on the path to the world's first fusion power plant.

What You Will Be Doing

This is a newly created role driven by rapid growth and increasing R&D demand. It’s a unique opportunity to join at a pivotal moment, helping shape how capacitor technologies scale from development into manufacturing while building the systems, teams, and processes that will define future success. You will lead the execution of capacitor R&D builds and pilot manufacturing, translating evolving engineering concepts into safe, repeatable processes. In this role, you will serve as a critical bridge between R&D and production, identifying manufacturability risks early, driving process improvements, and ensuring new technologies are ready to scale. This role will provide leadership and operational oversight for a growing team of Engineering Technicians supporting first-shift manufacturing and R&D activities (Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM).

• Responsible for R&D builds, prototypes, and pilot runs to meet aggressive development timelines
• Translate engineering intent into practical, high-quality manufacturing processes
• Make real-time technical decisions in fast-paced, ambiguous development environments
• Analyze data to identify process gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement
• Lead and develop a team of Engineering Technicians, building capability and accountability
• Partner with engineering, production, and EHS to ensure aligned, safe, and effective execution
• Drive readiness for manufacturing through documentation, process definition, and knowledge transfer

Required Skills

• 5+ years in manufacturing, R&D, or technical operations, including hands‑on process development or NPI
• 2+ years leading or supervising technical teams in fast‑paced environments
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and improve manufacturing processes under ambiguity
• Strong data‑driven mindset with the ability to translate results into actionable improvements
• Experience working closely with engineering teams on early stage or rapidly evolving technologies
• Ability to adapt schedule and onsite presence to support team leadership, cross‑functional coordination, and critical development activities
• Strong communication, organization, and execution skills

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.