Mechanical Engineer, Early Career

Fusion Energy Base; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

31 Days PTO (21 vacation + 10 sick)

10 Paid holidays plus winter break

Up to 5% 401(k) match

Disability and life insurance

Paid parental leave

Annual wellness stipend

Job summary

Helion is hiring an entry‑level Mechanical Engineer to oversee hardware designs for fusion generator prototypes in Everett, WA. You will work on mechanical, electrical, and fluid subsystems, using 3D CAD (NX/SolidWorks) and ANSYS for analysis.

You should have a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and 1–2 years of collaborative project experience, with hands-on exposure to multiple engineering disciplines and a strong drive to learn.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 1–2 years of internship or project-team experience with diverse engineering projects.
• Hands-on exposure to mechanical, electrical and fluids disciplines is expected.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX/SolidWorks) is required.

Responsibilities

• Own and understand subsystem designs (electromagnetic, structural, fluid, thermal, control).
• Learn from historical approaches, design hardware, test solutions and integrate into fusion devices.
• Apply first-principles and method-based thinking to challenging problems.
• Create designs using 3D CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks).
• Perform analysis with ANSYS and participate in design reviews.

Skills

Hands-on teamwork

3D CAD NX/SolidWorks

ANSYS analysis

Cross-discipline exposure

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

About Helion

Helion is 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 is on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.

What You Will Be Doing

Helion is hiring an entry‑level Mechanical Engineer to oversee hardware designs for Helion's fusion generator prototypes. The role involves tackling versatile engineering problems essential to deploying fusion energy to the world and driving culture on a small but expanding team.

Responsibilities

• Own and understand subsystem designs such as electromagnetic, structural, fluid, thermal, and control systems, and improve their requirements.
• Learn from historical engineering approaches, design novel hardware, test solutions, and integrate them into fusion devices.
• Apply both engineering first‑principles and method‑based thinking to challenging problems.
• Use 3D CAD software (e.g., NX, Solidworks) to design fusion hardware.
• Perform analysis with tools such as ANSYS and hold design reviews to gather feedback and iterate to a fully functioning system.
• Learn from experts to expand your engineering skillset and domain knowledge.
• Work hands‑on alongside experienced technicians to improve your hardware designs.
• Fix hardware issues as they arise on integrated fusion generators.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 1‑2 years of collegiate internship or project team experience (e.g., SAE, Rocket Club) that includes working with versatile teams managing complex engineering projects and schedules.
• Hands‑on exposure to a variety of engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, fluids).
• Experience with 3D CAD software (e.g., NX, Solidworks).

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 and long‑term disability, and life insurance.
• Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks).
• Annual wellness stipend.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Helion is an equal opportunity employer and values 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.