PR Lead

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 164,000 - 232,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

31 Days PTO (vacation + sick)

401(k) with employer match

Disability & Life insurance

Parental leave

Wellness stipend

Job summary

Helion, headquartered in Everett, WA, is seeking a PR Lead to drive media relations and shape public perception of our fusion energy mission. This on-site Seattle role reports to the Director of Communications and partners with engineering, manufacturing, science, and policy teams.

You will translate complex fusion and energy concepts into clear narratives for technical and mainstream audiences, influencing coverage and credibility as we move toward deployment of fusion energy systems globally.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications.
• Proven track record of securing high-impact coverage in top-tier outlets.
• Strong network of media relationships across energy, climate, technology, or business press.
• Experience translating complex technical topics into clear, compelling narratives.
• Experience preparing executives and technical leaders for media interviews and public events.
• Ability to operate independently and drive results in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute Helion’s media relations strategy with top-tier reporters and outlets.
• Develop and pitch compelling stories positioning Helion as a leader in fusion and next-gen energy.
• Support executive visibility and external speaking engagements with messaging and preparation.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders on media strategy and messaging.
• Manage media inquiries and shape coverage opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, science, and policy teams to surface newsworthy milestones.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Strategic communications

Storytelling

Executive messaging

Media interviews

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.

Location: Seattle, WA

Employment Type: Full time

Location Type: On-site

Department: Communications

Compensation

• $164K – $232K

Overview

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.

Helion is seeking a PR Lead to drive our media relations strategy during a period of rapid growth and expansion. This is a highly visible, high-impact role responsible for shaping how Helion is understood by the public, press, and key stakeholders.

You will serve as a primary interface between Helion and the media – translating complex fusion, energy, and manufacturing concepts into clear, compelling narratives that resonate across technical and mainstream audiences. As Helion moves toward deploying fusion energy systems globally, you will play a critical role in building awareness, credibility, and trust in our mission and technology.

In addition to leading media relations, you will support broader external communications efforts, including executive visibility, thought leadership, and major company announcements. This is an onsite role at our Seattle, WA office, reporting to the Director of Communications.

What You Will Do

• Lead and execute Helion’s media relations strategy, building strong relationships with top-tier reporters, editors, and outlets across energy, technology, and business
• Develop and pitch compelling stories that position Helion as a leader in fusion and next-generation energy
• Support executive visibility and external speaking engagements by developing messaging, preparing speakers, and identifying strategic opportunities to elevate Helion’s brand and leadership
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, including executives, on media strategy, messaging, and external communications
• Manage media inquiries and proactively shape coverage opportunities
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, science, and policy teams to surface newsworthy milestones and reputation-building initiatives

Required Skills

• 12+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications, with a proven track record of securing high-impact coverage in top-tier outlets
• Strong network of media relationships across energy, climate, technology, or business press
• Experience in technology, engineering, or scientific industries is a plus, especially roles partnering closely with technical experts
• Exceptional ability to translate complex technical topics into clear, compelling narratives, with excellent writing and storytelling skills
• Experience preparing executives and technical leaders for media interviews, speaking engagements, and public-facing events
• Ability to operate independently and drive results in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Benefits

Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:

• 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.

Compensation Range: $164K - $232K