Senior Technologist - Materials

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

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 (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.

Location: Everett, WA

Employment Type: Full time

Location Type: On-site

Department: Material Science

Compensation

• $38 – $57

What You Will Be Doing

You will apply advanced technical expertise to support engineering research, development, and manufacturing through hands‑on materials testing, analytical system operation, and precision fabrication. In this role, you will independently execute complex test workflows, configure and maintain equipment, and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure diagnostic readiness and high‑quality results. You will collaborate closely with engineers to translate test requirements into reliable, real‑world setups, while using critical thinking and sound judgment to solve problems and improve processes. You will also mentor junior Technologists and communicate findings through clear data analysis and reporting that informs engineering decisions.

You Will

• 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

Required Skills

• 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
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers to translate design intent into practical testing solutions
• Familiarity with controlled, high-risk, or radiological environments is preferred, including adherence to safety and contamination control protocols
• Strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills in fast‑paced technical environments

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: $38 - $57