Director of Plasma Physics

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 295,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

PTO 31 days

Holiday time off

401(k) match

Disability Insurance

Parental Leave

Wellness Stipend

Job summary

Helion, based in Everett, WA, seeks a Director of Plasma Physics to lead a multidisciplinary team of experimental and computational scientists, engineers, and technicians. You will guide simulations and experimental campaigns to understand plasma behavior and enhance fusion performance in future systems, reporting to the Senior Director of Science.

You will build and lead teams, define the scientific roadmap, and oversee diagnostics, MHD, PIC simulations, data analysis, and model validation,

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in physics, engineering, or related physical science with substantial research experience.
• Experience managing scientists or engineers in a research/tech environment.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams of experimental and computational scientists.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of experimental and computational scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Define and execute an integrated scientific roadmap linking modeling and experiments.
• Oversee plasma diagnostics, MHD simulations, PIC simulations, and data analysis.
• Drive research campaigns to understand plasma behavior and enhance fusion performance.
• Partner with leadership to set goals, prioritize resources, and deliver commitments.
• Hire, mentor, and develop managers to maintain a high talent bar.
• Collaborate across Mechanical, Electrical, R&D, and Production teams to advance fusion systems.

Education

Advanced degree in physics or engineering

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.

Location

Everett, WA

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Science

Compensation

• $295K – $325K

Compensation Range: $295K - $325K

What You Will Be Doing

The Director of Plasma Physics will lead a multidisciplinary team of experimental and computational scientists, engineers, and technicians. The teams reporting into the Director of Plasma Physics are Experimental Physics, Diagnostics, MHD Simulations, Data Science, PIC/Kinetic Simulations, and Concept Prototyping. This team will drive simulations and experimental campaigns aimed at understanding plasma behavior and enhancing fusion performance in future systems. You will report directly to our Senior Director of Science in the organization housing Plasma Physics, Nuclear Science, Materials Science, Fuel Cycle, and Health Physics.

You Will

• Build, grow, and lead a multidisciplinary team of experimental and computational scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on advancing plasma performance
• Develop organizational operating rhythms and systems
• Maintain a high talent bar via hiring, performance management, and developing managers
• Define and execute an integrated scientific roadmap that connects computational modeling, experimental campaigns, and the development of future fusion systems
• Partner with Helion’s leadership to establish organizational goals, prioritize resources, balance technical risks, and take ownership of delivering against the team’s commitments
• Oversee experimental and computational programs spanning plasma diagnostics, MHD and PIC simulations, plasma pre-ionization, machine design, data analysis, and model validation
• Synthesize simulation and experimental results into clear technical conclusions that guide research priorities, system design, and future device development
• Drive plasma physics deliverables to completion in collaboration with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, R&D, and Production teams

Required Skills

• Advanced degree in physics, engineering, or a related physical science discipline, with 10+ years of scientific research experience and 5+ years managing scientists or engineers in a research, development, or technology environment
• Demonstrated experience building and leading multidisciplinary teams spanning experimental science, computational modeling, engineering, and technical operations
• Experience using computational models and experimental data together to interpret plasma behavior, validate scientific hypotheses, and inform technical decisions
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional applied physics programs involving experimental

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.