Principal Experimental Scientist - RF

About the Company

Helion is 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. Since 2013, Helion has raised $1.5 billion to propel its fusion technology forward.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end technical development of Helion’s RF pre-ionization capability for FRC startup
• Lead hands-on experimental work spanning RF hardware, antenna and coupling design, plasma diagnostics, and operational procedures
• Develop and optimize high-performance RF plasma source systems to achieve targeted plasma density, stability, and coupling efficiency
• Define and deploy the diagnostic strategy needed to characterize RF-driven plasma formation and coupling behavior
• Integrate cross-disciplinary technical input across plasma physics, machine operations, controls, electrical engineering, and data science
• Partner with technical leadership on strategic planning and long-range roadmap development

Requirements

• Ph.D. in physics, plasma physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in advanced laboratory or R&D environments
• Substantial hands-on work with plasma generation systems, RF hardware, and vacuum systems
• Deep expertise in RF plasma source development, antenna/coupling design, or RF-plasma interactions
• Strong background in plasma diagnostics and data interpretation
• Demonstrated track record of leading complex experimental programs from concept through validation

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• 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 (up to 16 weeks)
• Annual wellness stipend