Senior Materials Engineer, Dielectrics

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 164,000 - 236,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

31 days PTO

401(k) match

Parental leave

Wellness stipend

Job summary

Helion in Everett, WA is seeking a seasoned Materials Scientist to lead the development of dielectric materials for high‑voltage components in a fusion reactor. This onsite role collaborates with cross‑functional teams and reports to the Director of Materials Science.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in R&D, specializing in insulating/dielectric materials, and can drive milestones with rapid prototyping in a demanding, nuclear environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree and 8+ years in insulating/dielectric materials.
• 8+ years in industry-related R&D with results for a commercial product.
• Ability to plan and lead R&D with milestone schedules.
• Bias for action and rapid prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of dielectric materials for high voltage components in a fusion reactor.
• Evaluate and vet emerging materials for radiation exposure performance.
• Report to the Director of Materials Science and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Navigate obstacles and changing requirements while delivering rapidly.
• Partner with internal Helion teams, external vendors, national labs, and universities.
• Represent Helion at technical meetings and conferences.

Skills

R&D leadership

Dielectric materials

High voltage insulation

Rapid prototyping

Education

Advanced degree in materials science or related field

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

Everett, WA

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Material Science

Compensation

• $164K – $236K

Compensation Range: $164K - $236K

What You Will Be Doing

You will play a key role in developing dielectric materials suited for high voltage components that maximize efficiency in the extreme environment of a nuclear fusion reactor. Specific responsibilities will include the development and evaluation of novel materials or the assessment and vetting of a wide range of emerging materials with a focus on their extended performance under radiation exposure. In this onsite role, based at our Everett, WA office, you will report to the Director of Materials Science and collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to advance Helion’s mission.

You Will

• Lead high impact and multi‑disciplinary projects to develop new high‑voltage dielectric insulating materials that can perform under applied high‑voltage conditions in an advanced fusion generator
• Lead testing campaigns to quantify the electrical properties and behavioral response limits of materials exposed to demanding conditions of heat, stress, and accumulated radiation damage
• Perform comprehensive reviews of published research and development efforts in advanced high‑voltage dielectric materials and distill the information into summaries for non‑nuclear engineers
• Operate in an environment with obstacles and changing requirements, balancing risks with rapid delivery requirements
• Partner with other internal Helion teams, external vendors, national laboratories, and universities to establish pathways to extended capabilities
• Develop a broad collaborative network and represent Helion at technical meetings and conferences

Required Skills

• An advanced degree and/or extensive understanding of electrically insulating and dielectric materials, typically demonstrated by a degree in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, nuclear engineering, or related disciplines and 8+ years of hands‑on work
• 8+ years of industry‑related experience, including proven results executing R&D and development projects (including design reviews) for a commercial product
• Capability to plan and lead R&D efforts guided by a milestone schedule
• The ideal candidate would have a bias for action, know how to execute with urgency and favor learning through rapid prototyping

Preferred Skills

• Experience with radiation effects testing and characterization
• Proven results with the new product introduction from seed concepts to commercial deployment
• Practical knowledge of multi‑physics modeling for simulating microstructures and properties based on processing approaches and relevant operating environments

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.