Principal Power Electronics Engineer
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 hiring a Principal Power Electronics Engineer to support the core energy management systems that power Helion’s fusion generators. Your work will focus on high-power electrical systems including energy delivery to pulsed magnetics, energy recovery systems, internal redistribution networks, and grid-tie infrastructure. You will design, commission, and optimize systems that are foundational to delivering clean, low-cost electricity to the world. This is an onsite role that reports directly to Manager of Electrical Engineering at our Everett, WA office.
You Will:
Design, test, troubleshoot, and support high-voltage power systems for pulsed magnetic coils
Oversee design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of systems delivering <1 ms pulses up to 5 MA and 40 kV
Develop system architectures and collaborate with designers on schematics and installation drawings
Lead design reviews to validate cost-effective, scalable, and reliable solutions
Support commissioning and lifetime operation of generator power systems, identifying paths to optimize future builds
Apply rigorous engineering practices, including ownership of cost, schedule, and resource planning for assigned projects
Mentor electrical engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to build technical capability across Helion
Required Skills:
12+ years experience in power electronics, solving complex electrical engineering problems from design to delivery
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
Hands-on experience designing, fabricating, installing, and testing electronic systems
Strong knowledge of solid-state switching technologies and power components such as IGBTs, MOSFETs, and SCRs
Technical depth in engineering principles, codes, and practices with experience coordinating deliverables to meet milestones
Advanced troubleshooting skills with standard benchtop tools (oscilloscopes, E-loads, pulse generators, spectrum analyzers) and PCB design software
Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Office, LTSpice, SIMetrix/SIMPLIS, Altium, and MATLAB
#LI-Onsite #LI-KL1
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.