Qualifications
Your Role:We are seeking a Senior Materials Engineer, Diagnostics to spearhead the development of materials health monitoring for Helion’s fusion generators. Your responsibilities will include designing, qualifying, and deploying both in-situ and ex-situ diagnostics aimed at detecting and quantifying materials degradation under various combined stimuli such as thermomechanical stress, radiation, high electric fields, and coolant environments. You will collaborate across Materials, Research, and Engineering teams to translate failure modes into measurable signals and integrate diagnostics into hardware and predictive models. This is an on-site position based in Everett, WA. Responsibilities:Develop and implement in-situ and ex-situ diagnostics focused on degradation and failure of fusion-relevant materials and components (e.g., first wall, magnets, insulators, capacitors, HV interfaces, seals). Convert failure and degradation modes into measurable signals utilizing sensors, inspection methods, or indirect indicators. Design and conduct coupled-stimuli experiments and post-irradiation examinations (PIE) to validate diagnostic methodologies. Create test matrices and analysis plans that link microstructural evolution to sensor outputs and component performance. Lead the materials diagnostics roadmap by transforming risk assessments into diagnostic requirements, detailing what to measure, where, frequency, and accuracy. Work in partnership with design engineers to embed diagnostics into hardware systems.
About the job
About Helion
Helion is a pioneering fusion power company located in Everett, WA, dedicated to creating the world's first fusion power plant. Our goal is to facilitate a future with limitless clean electricity, ensuring that energy is clean, reliable, and affordable for all.
Founded in 2013, we have successfully raised over $1 billion from esteemed investors including Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group, as well as newer partners like SoftBank and Lightspeed. Our latest prototype, Trenta, achieved remarkable milestones with 10,000 high-power pulses and plasma temperatures soaring to 100 million degrees Celsius (9 keV). Currently, we are advancing our next prototype, Polaris, on our journey towards the first operational fusion power plant.
Joining Helion at this crucial stage provides a unique opportunity to tackle significant challenges alongside a team that values urgency, rigor, accountability, and transparency, qualities essential to achieving unprecedented breakthroughs in energy. Together, we will redefine the future of energy, because time is of the essence.
About Helion
Helion is at the forefront of fusion energy innovation, aiming to revolutionize the energy landscape by providing sustainable and limitless power solutions. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology and rigorous scientific research positions us as leaders in the race to develop practical fusion energy.