Computational Plasma Scientist - Kinetic / PIC Modeling

Helion; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

31 Days of PTO

401(k) match

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Helion, based in Everett, WA, is seeking a Computational Plasma Scientist to run and analyze kinetic simulations that support the development of fusion generators. You will utilize tools like WarpX to investigate plasma behavior and compare your findings against experimental data.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a related field and possesses strong programming skills. Join us in pushing the boundaries of clean energy technology!

Qualifications

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Computational Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Experience interpreting kinetic / Particle-in-Cell plasma simulations.
• Strong scientific programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Run kinetic / Particle‑in‑Cell simulations using WarpX or similar codes.
• Analyze field, particle, and diagnostic outputs from simulations.
• Compare simulation results against experimental measurements.

Skills

Kinetic Plasma Physics

Particle-in-Cell Simulation

Python Programming

MATLAB

Education

PhD in Plasma Physics or related field

Tools

WarpX

OSIRIS

EPOCH

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:

Helion is hiring a Computational Plasma Scientist to run, analyze, and interpret kinetic / Particle‑in‑Cell simulations that support our understanding of plasma behavior in Helion’s fusion generators. In this role, you will use tools such as WarpX or similar PIC codes to execute defined simulation studies, analyze field and particle outputs, and compare results against experimental data from Helion’s operating machines. You will contribute to physics insight across topics such as plasma startup, RF/plasma interactions, particle transport, sheath behavior, and other kinetic effects that may not be fully captured by fluid or MHD models. This position reports to the Manager of Computational Science at our Everett, WA office and supports Helion’s path toward fusion electricity.

You Will:

• Run kinetic / Particle‑in‑Cell simulations using WarpX or similar PIC codes to study plasma behavior relevant to Helion’s FRC systems
• Develop and maintain simulation input decks, PICMI scripts, parameter scans, and repeatable workflows for defined kinetic modeling studies
• Analyze field, particle, and diagnostic outputs from PIC simulations using Python or similar scientific computing tools
• Compare kinetic simulation results against experimental measurements and summarize findings into clear technical takeaways
• Work with experimental scientists, diagnostics engineers, RF engineers, and MHD modelers to understand modeling needs, interpret results, and identify when PIC simulations can provide useful insight
• Build analysis scripts, visualizations, and reduced data products that help make simulation results easier to interpret and share across teams

Required Skills:

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Computational Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• Relevant experience running, analyzing, or interpreting kinetic / Particle‑in‑Cell plasma simulations in academic, national lab, or industry settings
• Strong understanding of kinetic plasma physics and Particle‑in‑Cell modeling methods
• Experience running and interpreting PIC simulations using WarpX, OSIRIS, VPIC, EPOCH, Smilei, LSP, FBPIC, or comparable codes
• Experience supporting simulation studies, including input setup, boundary conditions, parameter scans, convergence checks, or validation workflows
• Strong scientific programming skills in Python, MATLAB, Julia, C++, Fortran, or similar languages for simulation analysis and visualization
• Ability to operate autonomously on day‑to‑day technical tasks while communicating progress, risks, and results clearly to computational, experimental, and cross‑functional audiences

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

Helion is an equal opportunity employer and value 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.