Helion · 20 hours ago
Manager, Supplier Development Engineer
Everett, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$182K/yr - $220K/yr
7+ years expHelion is a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant. As the Manager of Supplier Development Engineering, you will lead the strategy and execution of supplier readiness and quality while managing a team to ensure suppliers meet Helion's technical and quality requirements.
EnergyEnvironmental EngineeringRenewable Energy
Responsibilities
Manage, coach, and grow a high-performing team of Supplier Development Engineers while setting priorities, resource plans, and execution frameworks to support major program milestones
Develop and implement Helion’s supplier development strategy to strengthen supplier technical capability and readiness
Collaborate with engineering teams to understand part and subsystem requirements and translate them into supplier manufacturing and quality expectations
Lead supplier selection, capability assessments, and sourcing decisions in partnership with supply chain teams
Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes, quality systems, capacity, and scalability against Helion’s requirements
Oversee deployment of PPAP, APQP, FAI, control plans, and other qualification processes across critical suppliers
Drive systematic root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement for supplier nonconformances
Use data, metrics, and supplier performance dashboards to guide improvements and long-term strategic decisions
Guide suppliers through prototype builds, engineering validation, pilot production, and scaling to high-volume output
Ensure supplier documentation, inspection plans, and verification methods meet Helion’s engineering and regulatory standards
Partner with manufacturing engineering to introduce high-volume production methods and refine manufacturability
Develop long-term supplier capability plans that reduce risk, accelerate production timelines, and incorporate emerging manufacturing technologies
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Material Science or a related field
7+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, or manufacturing engineering, including direct experience working with and developing suppliers
3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or technical programs
Strong background in mechanical and electrical manufacturing processes (such as machining, electromechanical assembly, PCBA fabrication, Silicon device manufacturing, and high-precision component manufacturing)
Deep knowledge of supplier quality methodologies (PPAP, APQP, FAI, control plans, SPC, DOE, Six Sigma)
Experience working within quality systems such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949
Ability to assess supplier capability, identify manufacturing risks, and lead effective corrective action
Ability to travel up to 25% to support supplier audits, development, and ongoing supplier performance
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