Computational Plasma Research Summer 2027 Intern

Helion; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Helion in Everett, WA, is seeking a PhD candidate to join the computational research team for a 12-week summer program in 2027. You will work with plasma simulation codes to study aspects of the fusion machine, such as formation, translation, merging, or compression, and develop a simulation study with measurable results.

You will collaborate with mentors, develop a report, and present findings to the Helion research group.

Qualifications

• Must 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, with relevant experience in plasmas.
• Must be able to complete their PhD program and commence full-time employment no later than May 2028.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Experience working with plasma simulation codes (e.g. PIC, Vlasov codes, MHD).
• Experience doing research in a team environment.
• Scripting and analysis in Python, C++ or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Use Helion’s computational tools to study a specific aspect of the machine (e.g., FRC formation, translation, merging, or compression).
• Work with your team and mentor to develop a simulation study and produce results.
• Develop a report and present findings to the broader research team at Helion.

Skills

Team research

Research experience

Scripting (Python, MATLAB)

Education

PhD candidate in Physics/Aerospace Eng

GPA 3.0+

Tools

PIC

Vlasov Codes

MHD

Python

C++

MATLAB

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 $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.

What You Will Be Doing:

The computational research team at Helion works with multiple plasma simulation codes to simulate and analyze Helion’s fusion machines and test beds. The goal of the simulation effort is to develop predictive computational capabilities derived from first principles, validated against experimental data across multiple FRC merging devices, to inform next-generation fusion machine design.

You Will:

• Be responsible for using Helion’s computational suite of tools to study a particular aspect of the machine, which could include FRC formation, translation, merging, or compression

• Work with your team and mentor to develop a simulation study and develop a set of results

• Develop a report and present your findings to the broader research team at Helion

Required Skills:

• 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, with relevant experience in plasmas

• Must be able to complete their PhD program and commence full-time employment no later than May 2028

• GPA of 3.0 or above

• Experience working with plasma simulation codes (e.g. PIC, Vlasov codes, MHD)

• Experience doing research in a team environment

• Scripting and analysis in Python, C++ or MATLAB