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Helion is a fusion power company on a mission to build the world's first commercial fusion power plant, enabling unlimited clean electricity. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Everett, WA, the company has raised $1.5 billion from leading investors including Sam Altman, SoftBank, and Thrive Capital. Their prototype Polaris has achieved record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius, and they are advancing toward their commercial plant, Orion.
As Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will define and drive the architecture of Helion's manufacturing systems as the company scales from prototype builds to high-volume production. Reporting directly to the Factory Development Manager, you will own manufacturing system strategy, lead development of custom precision equipment and integrated production systems, and serve as a technical authority across Manufacturing, Design, and Production.
Key responsibilities include:
- Define manufacturing system architecture and long-term scalability strategy across production lines and future factory builds
- Own and drive large-scale, cross-functional initiatives that shape how Helion designs, builds, and scales manufacturing systems
- Lead development and commissioning of custom, precision manufacturing equipment and integrated production systems
- Identify and prioritize high-impact investments in equipment, automation, and factory capabilities to enable step-change improvements in scale
- Solve complex, ambiguous manufacturing challenges with company-wide technical impact
- Serve as technical leader and mentor, influencing engineering direction and elevating execution across teams
Required qualifications:
- 12+ years in manufacturing engineering, automation, or production systems, ideally in high-volume or complex electromechanical environments
- Demonstrated ownership of manufacturing systems or production lines from concept through production ramp at scale
- Experience defining systems, processes, or architecture in ambiguous, first-of-a-kind environments
- Proven track record leading large, cross-functional engineering initiatives with broad organizational impact
- Strong cross-functional leadership across Design Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Facilities
- Track record of influencing technical direction and mentoring engineers
This is an onsite role in Everett, WA, operating in a highly ambiguous, first-of-a-kind environment requiring balance between near-term execution and long-term scalability.
