Senior Materials Engineer, Ceramics

What You Will Be Doing

You will play a key role in developing dielectric materials suited for high voltage components that maximize efficiency in the extreme environment of a nuclear fusion reactor. Specific responsibilities will include the development and evaluation of novel materials or the assessment and vetting of a wide range of emerging materials with a focus on their extended performance under radiation exposure. This onsite role is based at our Everett, WA, facility and reports to the Materials Science Manager, Metals and Dielectrics.

You Will

• Lead high impact and multi-disciplinary projects to develop new high-voltage dielectric insulating materials that can perform under applied high-voltage conditions in an advanced fusion generator
• Lead testing campaigns to quantify the electrical properties and behavioral response limits of materials exposed to demanding conditions of heat, stress, and accumulated radiation damage
• Perform comprehensive reviews of published research and development efforts in advanced high-voltage dielectric materials and distill the information into summaries for non-nuclear engineers
• Operate in an environment with obstacles and changing requirements, balancing risks with rapid delivery requirements
• Partner with other internal Helion teams, external vendors, national laboratories, and universities to establish pathways to extended capabilities
• Develop a broad collaborative network and represent Helion at technical meetings and conferences

Required Skills

• An advanced degree and/or extensive understanding of electrically insulating and dielectric materials, typically demonstrated by a degree in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, nuclear engineering, or related disciplines
• 8+ years of industry-related experience, including proven results executing R&D and development projects (including design reviews) for a commercial product
• Capability to plan and lead R&D efforts guided by a milestone schedule
• The ideal candidate would have a bias for action, know how to execute with urgency and favor learning through rapid prototyping

Preferred Skills

• Experience with radiation effects testing and characterization
• Proven results with the new product introduction from seed concepts to commercial deployment
• Practical knowledge of multi-physics modeling for simulating microstructures and properties based on processing approaches and relevant operating environments

#LI-Onsite #LI-TM1

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