Manager, Plasma Diagnostics

Fusion Energy Base; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

31 Days PTO (vacation + sick)

10 paid holidays + winter break

Employer 401(k) match (up to 5%)

Disability and life insurance

Parental leave and support

Annual wellness stipend

Job summary

Helion, based in Everett, WA, is seeking a Manager of Plasma Diagnostics to lead experimental diagnostics projects and manage a team of scientists and engineers onsite. The role reports to the Director of Plasma and Nuclear Science and focuses on advancing fusion plasma performance.

The ideal candidate will have an advanced physics degree, 5+ years of research experience with at least 1 year in people management, and hands-on hardware design experience.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in physics or related physical science is required.
• 5+ years of scientific research experience with 1+ years managing scientists or engineers.
• Knowledge of applied plasma physics with hands-on experience in hardware design and development.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex interdepartmental projects, including schedule ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists and engineers working on various projects and initiatives.
• Present scientific progress updates during internal meetings and conferences.
• Create the team roadmap taking into consideration how the physics of different subsystems work together to create a strategic vision.
• Collaborate with other scientists and engineers in the development and testing of experimental instrumentation and procedures.
• Drive schedule ownership and optimization by team members to accelerate milestones.
• Drive design, analysis, and process improvements to increase throughput.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Plasma physics

Experiment design

Team management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in physics or related physical science

Tools

Instrumentation

Hardware development

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 (13keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.

What You Will Be Doing

We are looking for a Manager of Plasma Diagnostics to manage experimental diagnostics projects and to lead a team of scientists and engineers in the design, implementation, and testing of devices and technologies aimed at enhancing fusion plasma performance. This is an onsite role that reports directly to the Director of Plasma and Nuclear Science at our Everett, WA office.

You Will:

• Lead a team of scientists and engineers working on various projects and initiatives
• Present scientific progress updates during internal meetings and conferences
• Create the team roadmap taking into consideration how the physics of different subsystems work together to create a strategic vision
• Collaborate with other scientists and engineers in the development and testing of experimental instrumentation and procedures
• Drive schedule ownership and optimization by team members to accelerate milestones
• Drive design, analysis, and process improvements to increase throughput

Required Skills

• Advanced degree in physics or related physical science discipline
• 5+ years of scientific research experience with 1+ years managing scientists or engineers in research, development, or technology settings
• Knowledge of applied plasma physics with hands‑on experience in hardware design and development
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex interdepartmental projects, including schedule ownership

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.