Computational Plasma Scientist - MHD

Helion; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO 31 days

Paid holidays

401k match

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Wellness stipend

Job summary

Helion in Everett, WA seeks a Computational Plasma Scientist to support MHD modeling and simulation efforts for fusion generators. You will run, analyze, and interpret simulations using Helion’s internal MHD code to help evaluate FRC dynamics, circuit response, and magnetic loads.

You will collaborate with scientists and engineers across plasma physics, electrical systems, magnetics, controls, and structural mechanics to translate simulation results into useful technical insight.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Computational Physics, or related field.
• Experience running, analyzing, or interpreting MHD simulations in academia or industry.
• Knowledge of magnetic diffusion and eddy currents.
• Understanding of FRC physics.
• Experience scripting to analyze output and plot results.

Responsibilities

• Run internal MHD code to simulate FRC dynamics under defined conditions.
• Analyze simulations and compare with experimental data to derive insights.
• Collaborate with plasma physics, electrical systems, magnetics, and controls teams.
• Prepare reports and graphics communicating findings clearly.

Skills

MHD simulations

FRC physics understanding

Scripting (Python/MATLAB)

C/Fortran programming

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Plasma Physics or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Fortran

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 support MHD modeling and simulation efforts for Helion’s fusion generators. In this role, you will run, analyze, and interpret simulations using Helion’s internal MHD code to help evaluate FRC dynamics, circuit response, magnetic loads, and related plasma behavior. You will work closely with scientists and engineers across plasma physics, electrical systems, magnetics, controls, and structural mechanics to translate simulation results into useful technical insight. This position reports to the Manager of Computational Science at our Everett, WA office.

You Will

• Run Helion’s internal MHD code to simulate FRC dynamics across defined simulation conditions, from initial setup through post-processing and analysis of results
• Support calculations of FRC dynamics, circuit response, and magnetic loads to inform the development of Helion’s fusion generators
• Perform simulation analysis to help interpret experimental measurements by reproducing relevant experimental conditions with Helion’s internal MHD code
• Collaborate with and learn from experts to expand your technical skillset and domain knowledge
• Communicate simulation results and findings with accuracy and rigor through reports, presentations, graphics, and technical discussions

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 MHD simulations in academic, national lab, or industry settings
• Knowledge of magnetic field diffusion and eddy currents
• Ability to understand FRC physics
• Experience writing scripts to analyze output, parse files, and create plots in a common coding language (e.g., MATLAB, Fortran, C, Python, etc.)
• Experience supporting simulation studies, including model setup, assumptions, parameter scans, validation checks, sensitivity studies, or interpretation of results
• Experience using computer simulation tools for circuit dynamics, fluid dynamics, transient magnetics, or plasma dynamics

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.