Senior Materials Test Engineer – Fusion Lab, On-site

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 6

10 Paid holidays

Up to 5% employer 401(k) match

Disability and life insurance

Paid parental leave and support

Annual wellness stipend

Job summary

Helion in Everett, WA is seeking a senior Technologist for materials testing and instrumentation in a fast‑paced environment. You will independently execute test workflows, configure equipment, and mentor junior Technologists to ensure high‑quality, repeatable results.

You will lead fixture design, support radiation safety practices, and partner with engineers to translate requirements into robust testing processes that deliver meaningful performance data.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands‑on experience operating mechanical testing systems and analytical instrumentation in a similar technical environment.
• Strong proficiency in materials testing equipment and imaging tools, including mechanical test frames and microscopy systems.
• Extensive hands‑on fabrication experience, including fixture design, assembly, and precision measurement.
• Demonstrated ability to execute structured test workflows and produce reliable, high‑quality data.
• Experience troubleshooting complex mechanical and instrumentation issues, with the ability to independently identify root causes and drive solutions.
• Strong technical documentation skills, with attention to procedural rigor, calibration standards, and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot materials testing and analytical equipment, including load frames, profilometers, durometers, microscopy systems, and SEM.
• Execute test plans in accordance with ASTM standards or collaborate with engineers to develop custom test methodologies, including sample preparation, fixturing, and data analysis.
• Configure and validate test setups to ensure accurate, repeatable results and alignment with engineering intent.
• Document procedures, calibration activities, and test results with clarity and discipline to support quality and traceability.
• Analyze and communicate data effectively to inform design decisions and improve system performance.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts across mechanical systems, instrumentation, and workflows, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Design and fabricate fixtures and components to support testing needs, ensuring precision and reliability.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to early career Technologists on equipment operation, fabrication techniques, and safe work practices.
• Develop working knowledge of radiation safety practices, including contamination control, monitoring techniques, and controlled‑area workflows.
• Partner with engineers to interpret requirements and translate them into robust testing processes that generate meaningful performance data.

Skills

8+ years experience

Materials testing equipment

Analytical instrumentation

Fabrication & fixture design

Data analysis & reporting

Safety compliance

Technical documentation

High-risk environment familiarity

Collaboration with engineers

Tools

Load frames

Profilometers

Durometers

Microscopy systems

SEM

Job description

Helion in Everett, WA is seeking a senior Technologist for materials testing and instrumentation in a fast‑paced environment. You will independently execute test workflows, configure equipment, and mentor junior Technologists to ensure high‑quality, repeatable results.

You will lead fixture design, support radiation safety practices, and partner with engineers to translate requirements into robust testing processes that deliver meaningful performance data.