High Voltage Engineer

Avalanche Energy; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Avalanche Energy, a Washington-based startup, is hiring a lab-focused High Voltage Engineer to lead the High Voltage Test Cell operations for fusion hardware development. You will design, build, operate, and maintain HV systems in collaboration with scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities include end-to-end HV projects, safety-focused operation, and data-driven analysis, with a strong emphasis on FEM/CAD tooling and Python scripting to support experiments.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Hands-on mindset with ability to own a project end-to-end.
• Fundamental understanding of breakdowns in solids, liquids, gases, and vacuum.
• Experience with HV testing circuits and lab practices.
• Familiarity with COMSOL and CAD tools; Python for experiments.
• Clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own HV projects end-to-end from concept to documentation.
• Operate the High Voltage Test Cell safely and perform post-test analysis.
• Design and assemble DC/pulsed HV circuits and measurement approaches.
• Run long-duration tests and maintain data quality.
• Troubleshoot breakdowns and test artifacts.
• Use FEM and CAD to support insulation decisions and packaging.

Skills

Hands-on mindset

Team player

Education

B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering/Physics

Tools

COMSOL Multiphysics

SolidWorks

Python

Job description

Avalanche Energy is a Washington-based startup building compact, deployable fusion systems through rapid hardware iteration. Rather than pursuing fusion as a single grid-scale outcome, Avalanche develops transportable fusion machines designed to be built, tested, and operated on short cycles, turning real hardware into steady progress. This approach enables near‑term applications that demand extreme energy density and endurance—starting with fusion neutron production for radioisotope power and other defense and space uses—while advancing the underlying fusion platform. Backed by U.S. government programs and a team experienced in delivering complex systems, Avalanche is focused on building fusion that runs in the real world, not just on paper.

Avalanche might be a fit for you if:

Avalanche Energy is seeking a lab-focused High Voltage Engineer to be the lead conductor for the High Voltage Test Cell operation supporting fusion hardware development. The role involves designing, building, operating, and maintaining high‑voltage systems, working closely with scientists and engineers to develop HV subsystems, insulation techniques, and test methods across solids, liquids, gases, and vacuum.

Responsibilities:

• Own high-voltage projects end‑to‑end from concept through design, build, test, iteration, and documentation.
• Operate the High Voltage Test Cell safely, including setup, readiness checks, execution, and post-test analysis.
• Design and assemble DC and/or pulsed HV test circuits, instrumentation hookups, and measurement approaches for breakdown studies.
• Run long‑duration tests, maintain disciplined logs, and preserve data quality and repeatability across runs.
• Troubleshoot flashover, arcing, conditioning behavior, contamination effects, partial discharge indications, and test setup artifacts.
• Use FEM and CAD tools to support electrostatic field assessment, insulation geometry iteration, and packaging decisions, while coordinating with internal teams, vendors, and collaborators.
• Write small Python scripts for experiment support and improve procedures, checklists, documentation, labeling, and build standards.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on mindset with demonstrated ability to take a project from 0 to 100 with minimal oversight.
• Fundamental understanding of breakdown mechanisms in solids, liquids, gases, and vacuum, plus basic familiarity with HV testing circuits and lab best practices.
• Working familiarity with COMSOL or equivalent FEM tools, SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD, and Python for experiment support.
• Comfort running long‑duration tests, maintaining disciplined experimental records, and communicating clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Team first behavior and flexibility for test windows or lab operations that may fall outside normal business hours.

Bonus Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience working with systems above 50 kV DC.
• Strong proficiency in COMSOL Multiphysics or equivalent for field stress and insulation geometry iteration.
• Prior experience in experimental hardware environments with evolving requirements.
• Knowledge of high‑voltage transient analysis and familiarity with high‑speed imaging.

Additional Considerations:

• Travel: Occasional travel for equipment procurement, integration, or collaboration as needed.
• Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility during experimental campaigns or critical test periods.

We value people of all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer, and you do not need to match every listed qualification to apply.

This position may require access to export‑controlled information. In order to comply with U.S. export control laws, applicants must be a “U.S. person” as defined by U.S. trade control laws (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).