Capacitor R&D Supervisor
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
This is a newly created role driven by rapid growth and increasing R&D demand. It’s a unique opportunity to join at a pivotal moment, helping shape how capacitor technologies scale from development into manufacturing while building the systems, teams, and processes that will define future success. You will lead the execution of capacitor R&D builds and pilot manufacturing, translating evolving engineering concepts into safe, repeatable processes. In this role, you will serve as a critical bridge between R&D and production, identifying manufacturability risks early, driving process improvements, and ensuring new technologies are ready to scale.
This role will provide leadership and operational oversight for a growing team of Engineering Technicians supporting first-shift manufacturing and R&D activities (Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM).
You Will
Responsible for R&D builds, prototypes, and pilot runs to meet aggressive development timelines
Translate engineering intent into practical, high-quality manufacturing processes
Make real-time technical decisions in fast-paced, ambiguous development environments
Analyze data to identify process gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement
Lead and develop a team of Engineering Technicians, building capability and accountability
Partner with engineering, production, and EHS to ensure aligned, safe, and effective execution
Drive readiness for manufacturing through documentation, process definition, and knowledge transfer
Required Skills
5+ years in manufacturing, R&D, or technical operations, including hands-on process development or NPI
2+ years leading or supervising technical teams in fast-paced environments
Proven ability to troubleshoot and improve manufacturing processes under ambiguity
Strong data-driven mindset with the ability to translate results into actionable improvements
Experience working closely with engineering teams on early stage or rapidly evolving technologies
Ability to adapt schedule and onsite presence to support team leadership, cross-functional coordination, and critical development activities
Strong communication, organization, and execution skills
#LI-Onsite
#LI-TS1
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.