Director of Plasma Physics

Helion is hiring a Director of Plasma Physics in Everett, WA to lead scientists and engineers working on devices and technologies that improve fusion plasma performance. The role reports to the Senior Director of Science and involves guiding team growth, reviewing experimental results for leadership, and helping set the team’s priorities and risks in line with company strategy. It suits someone with strong plasma physics expertise and experience leading technical teams in a fast-moving research and development environment.

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. What You Will Be Doing: We are looking for a Director of Plasma Physics to lead a team of scientists and engineers in the design, implementation, and testing of devices and technologies aimed at enhancing fusion plasma performance. You will report directly to our Senior Director of Science in the organization housing Plasma Physics, Nuclear Science, Materials Science, Fuel Cycle, and Health Physics. You Will: - Build, grow, and lead a team of scientists and engineers who will apply their knowledge and expertise in plasma physics to optimize Helion’s fusion devices - Provide clear and concise summaries of experimental campaign results, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and adjustments as needed - Work with Helion’s leadership to establish organizational roadmap, goals, and balance risks for the team that align with our strategy and take full ownership of accomplishing these goals - Oversee projects specific to experimental plasma science such as E&M probes; plasma pre-ionization; plasma-material interaction; device design and requirements; full device data collection, analysis and interpretation in coordination with other teams - Drive schedule ownership and optimization by team members to accelerate milestones - Drive experimental plasma and fusion deliverables to completion in collaboration with Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, R&D, and Production teams. Required Skills: - Advanced degree in physics, or a related physical science discipline with a minimum of 10 years of scientific research experience and at least 5 years of experience managing a team of scientists or engineers in a research, development, or technology setting - Demonstrated experience building and leading multidisciplinary teams - Experience managing complex inter-departmental projects (including schedule ownership) - Demonstrated experience in applied physics, building and designing hardware 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.