Helion · 3 months ago
Director of Research and Development
Everett, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$213K/yr - $266K/yr
10+ years expHelion Energy is a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, dedicated to building the world's first fusion power plant. In this pivotal leadership role, the Director of Research and Development will lead innovation across fusion generators and plasma devices, manage a cross-disciplinary team, and define strategies to deliver fusion energy to the grid by 2028.
EnergyEnvironmental EngineeringRenewable Energy
Responsibilities
Accelerate Fusion Development: Set the standard for rapid iteration and data-driven development of Helion's fusion generators and plasma systems
Lead and Grow a World-Class Team: Manage a cross-disciplinary team of experimental scientists and engineers focused on fast paced experimentation
Shape Operation Campaigns: Partner with Helion's Science and Engineering teams to execute high-impact experimental programs in plasma physics and generator operations. Overseeing the team responsible for implementing several multimillion-dollar research and engineering project simultaneously
Maximize Uptime: Improve operational efficiency, reliability, and turnaround time of fusion generator tests through process optimization, tooling development, and coordination with engineering teams
Promote Data Transparency: Ensure seamless data flow between Operations, Engineering, Production, and Research teams to enable informed design decisions for future generations of fusion machines
Define Long-Term Strategy: Develop a strategic roadmap for future machine design, production, and testing capabilities. Define pathway to delivering and operating fusion power plants, including the operational infrastructure, training and safety
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in engineering or physics
10+ years of experience in R&D and operational leadership within engineering environments
7+ years managing large, technically challenging programs with full schedule and resource ownership
5+ years of experience managing technical teams, including managing managers
Expertise in experimental design and data collection for complex multi-physics systems
Demonstrated ability to apply first-principles thinking and analytical rigor to solve engineering and scientific challenges
Cross-functional leadership and collaboration skills with experience guiding diverse technical teams
Benefits
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
Company
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.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Helion has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (1)
2023 (2)
2022 (1)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.04BKey Investors
Nucor CorporationSam AltmanDustin Moskovitz
2025-01-28Series F· $425M
2023-09-27Corporate Round· $35M
2021-11-05Series E· $500M
Leadership Team
David Kirtley
Founder and CEO
Chris Pihl
Co-Founder, CTO
Recent News
2025-12-24
Crunchbase News
2025-12-18
Crunchbase News
2025-12-17
Company data provided by crunchbase