Helion
Mechanical Engineering Manager - Thermal
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 over $1 billion from long‑time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group, as well as new investors SoftBank and Lightspeed to propel us forward. Our last prototype, Trenta, completed 10,000 high‑power pulses and reached plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (9 keV). We are now operating Polaris, our next prototype on the path to the world's first fusion power plant.
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 You will lead the thermo‑mechanical hardware design efforts for Helion's fusion devices. Your role will focus on solving complex, high‑impact problems that influence system performance, while also growing a high‑performing engineering team. You will establish technical standards, drive execution, and shape design processes to increase the speed and quality of innovation. You will report to the Senior Manager of Mechanical Engineering and this is an on‑site role located at our Everett, WA office.
You Will
Grow and mentor a team of multidisciplinary thermo‑mechanical engineers
Oversee the design, development, and optimization of thermal management strategies across the machine
Drive high‑level architectural decisions on thermal processes, energy recovery, and plant design schemes
Lead validation of thermal models through subscale testing, instrumentation design, and correlation of experimental data
Drive integration of thermal subsystems within vacuum environments, cryogenic systems, and high‑heat‑flux components
Required Skills
Bachelor's degree in Engineering
5+ years of thermal/mechanical engineering experience, including 2+ years in an engineering management role
Demonstrated ability to hire and grow engineers providing impactful career development
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams with full‑scope project ownership
Proven ability to manage complex engineering projects with schedule accountability
Hands‑on exposure to multiple engineering disciplines such as mechanical, thermal, and fluids
Ability to apply engineering first‑principles and structured problem‑solving to technical challenges
Total Compensation and Benefits Helion's compensation package includes a competitively benchmarked base salary, meaningful equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Final compensation is determined through a holistic evaluation of your experience, qualifications, and our commitment to internal equity – ensuring fairness and transparency across our teams. We are committed to fostering a fair and equitable environment in every aspect of our operations, including compensation.
This is an exempt salaried role.
Annual Base Pay: $170,000 - $200,000 USD
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 values 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.
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Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised over $1 billion from long‑time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group, as well as new investors SoftBank and Lightspeed to propel us forward. Our last prototype, Trenta, completed 10,000 high‑power pulses and reached plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (9 keV). We are now operating Polaris, our next prototype on the path to the world's first fusion power plant.
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 You will lead the thermo‑mechanical hardware design efforts for Helion's fusion devices. Your role will focus on solving complex, high‑impact problems that influence system performance, while also growing a high‑performing engineering team. You will establish technical standards, drive execution, and shape design processes to increase the speed and quality of innovation. You will report to the Senior Manager of Mechanical Engineering and this is an on‑site role located at our Everett, WA office.
You Will
Grow and mentor a team of multidisciplinary thermo‑mechanical engineers
Oversee the design, development, and optimization of thermal management strategies across the machine
Drive high‑level architectural decisions on thermal processes, energy recovery, and plant design schemes
Lead validation of thermal models through subscale testing, instrumentation design, and correlation of experimental data
Drive integration of thermal subsystems within vacuum environments, cryogenic systems, and high‑heat‑flux components
Required Skills
Bachelor's degree in Engineering
5+ years of thermal/mechanical engineering experience, including 2+ years in an engineering management role
Demonstrated ability to hire and grow engineers providing impactful career development
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams with full‑scope project ownership
Proven ability to manage complex engineering projects with schedule accountability
Hands‑on exposure to multiple engineering disciplines such as mechanical, thermal, and fluids
Ability to apply engineering first‑principles and structured problem‑solving to technical challenges
Total Compensation and Benefits Helion's compensation package includes a competitively benchmarked base salary, meaningful equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Final compensation is determined through a holistic evaluation of your experience, qualifications, and our commitment to internal equity – ensuring fairness and transparency across our teams. We are committed to fostering a fair and equitable environment in every aspect of our operations, including compensation.
This is an exempt salaried role.
Annual Base Pay: $170,000 - $200,000 USD
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 values 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr