Principal Experimental Scientist

Overview

Lead design, deployment, and operation of plasma diagnostics for fusion generators.

Key Responsibilities

• plasma diagnostics
• strategic planning
• diagnostics assembly
• data analysis
• system design
• technical integration

Tasks

-Develop foundational expertise in pre-ionization plasma diagnostics, establishing best practices and internal methodologies that inform next-generation fusion device development optimized for energy gain and power conversion -Partners with leadership across the organization, contributing to strategic planning, roadmap development, and long-term technical vision -Lead the hands-on execution of assembly, installation, calibration, and commissioning processes for diagnostics across multiple campaigns and testbeds. Ensure high data fidelity through rigorous validation and alignment procedures -Analyze diagnostic data in real time to extract actionable insights about plasma behavior, inform operational tuning, and identify opportunities for performance optimization and system redesign -Own the end-to-end design and deployment of a comprehensive suite of plasma diagnostics, collaborating closely with physicists, engineers, designers, and data analysts to ensure robust, scalable instrumentation that meets both experimental and operational requirements -Integrate cross-disciplinary technical input from experts across Helion—including plasma physics, machine operations, controls, and data science—to align diagnostic capabilities with real-time operational needs and long-term scientific milestones

Requirements

• interferometry
• spectroscopy
• langmuir probes
• uhv vacuum
• 10+ years
• ph.d.

What You Bring

-Demonstrated track record using diagnostic measurements (e.g., interferometry, spectroscopy, Langmuir probes, magnetic coils, electrostatic diagnostics) to evaluate plasma parameters such as density, temperature, and current profiles, directly influencing system improvements -10+ years of experience working in advanced laboratory environments, with extensive hands-on work involving plasma generation, plasma systems, and UHV vacuum infrastructure -Deep expertise and unique domain knowledge in multiple areas of plasma diagnostics and fusion engineering. Recognized as a subject matter expert who operates independently -Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline, with a focus on plasma science, diagnostics, or high-vacuum instrumentation

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Benefits

-Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks) -31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days) -Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance -Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families -Up to 5% employer 401(k) match -Annual wellness stipend -10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break

About Helion

-Pursues a bold vision: taming the power of stars on Earth through fusion energy. -Develops magneto-inertial fusion technology, merging plasma at extreme speeds and capturing energy directly. -Pioneers in aneutronic fusion, recycling byproducts to generate helium-3, a sustainable fuel source. -Shifts from lab-scale to industrial-scale fusion with the Polaris device, supported by legal agreements. -Aims for rapid iteration with reactor designs capable of one pulse per second, enabling modular fusion systems.

Sector Specialisms