What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Test Engineer position at Helion Energy and Careers?
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 develop, optimize, and maintain automated test systems that validate Helion's power electronics, PCBAs, and high-voltage assemblies. Acting as the technical bridge between design engineering and production, you will ensure test systems are robust, repeatable, and safe for hands-on execution by technicians. Your work will directly enable faster iteration, higher first-pass yield (FPY), and the reliable delivery of critical components for Helion's fusion prototypes. This is a hands-on role involving electrical test system development, data acquisition, and process ownership. You will report to the Production Manager and work closely with HV and LV Design Engineers, R&D Engineers, and Test Technicians/Supervisors. This is an onsite role at our Everett, WA office.
You Will:
- Develop automated and semi-automated test systems for PCBA and high-voltage assemblies, including fixture design, instrumentation selection, and control software integration
- Work with Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to deploy, validate, and maintain test systems in external facilities
- Write and maintain test procedures, calibration standards, and test limits in collaboration with design engineers and production leadership
- Support hands-on setup, wiring, and debugging of test racks, DAQ systems, and electrical interconnects
- Develop and maintain data acquisition and automation tools using Python or PLC-based systems to increase throughput and reliability
- Analyze test data to produce FPY and performance reports, proposing threshold adjustments in partnership with design teams to balance yield and quality
- Collaborate with technicians and test supervisors to train and standardize best practices in test execution and safety
- Continuously improve the efficiency, scalability, and maintainability of existing test systems across PCBA test equipment and HV test bays
- Drive cross-functional initiatives that reduce operator requirements and improve test cycle times without compromising safety or rigor
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field
- 5 years of experience developing and supporting electrical or electronic test systems in R&D or production environments
- Proficient with standard benchtop instruments such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, DMMs, Eloads, signal generators, and data acquisition equipment
- Experience developing automated tests using Python or other PLC-based systems
- Experienced in interpreting electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and wiring diagrams
- Demonstrated hands-on ability to build, wire, and debug test racks, harnesses, and control systems
- Understanding of electrical safety principles
- Strong analytical skills with experience generating and interpreting FPY or process capability reports
- Proven ability to collaborate across engineering and production teams to deliver robust, scalable solutions
#LI-Onsite
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.
Salary : $182,000 - $214,000