Senior Computational Plasma Scientist

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

• Run kinetic / Particle-in-Cell simulations using WarpX or similar PIC codes to study plasma behavior relevant to Helion’s FRC systems
• Develop simulation input decks, PICMI scripts, parameter scans, and repeatable workflows for targeted kinetic modeling studies
• Analyze field, particle, and diagnostic outputs from large-scale PIC simulations using Python or similar scientific computing tools
• Compare kinetic simulation results against experimental measurements and translate findings into clear physical insight
• Partner with experimental scientists, diagnostics engineers, RF engineers, and MHD modelers to determine where PIC modeling can add the most value
• Build analysis scripts, visualizations, and reduced data products that make complex simulation results usable across teams

Requirements

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Computational Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3+ years of post-graduation experience running, analyzing, or interpreting kinetic / Particle-in-Cell plasma simulations
• Strong understanding of kinetic plasma physics and Particle-in-Cell modeling methods
• Experience running and interpreting PIC simulations using WarpX, OSIRIS, VPIC, EPOCH, Smilei, LSP, FBPIC, or comparable codes
• Experience designing simulation campaigns, including input setup, boundary conditions, parameter scans, convergence checks, and validation workflows
• Strong scientific programming skills in Python, MATLAB, Julia, C++, or Fortran
• Ability to communicate complex simulation results clearly to cross-functional audiences

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