Special Projects Engineer

Department: Special Projects

Location: Everett, WA

Compensation: $139K – $169K

Employment Type: FullTime

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:

As a Special Projects Engineer, you will drive the delivery of high-impact projects across Helion’s facilities, infrastructure, and operations. These projects are often ambiguous at the outset, technically complex, and time sensitive. You will serve as the lead on these projects—translating engineering requirements into executable plans, liaising between design and execution teams, and ensuring technical accuracy, schedule alignment, and high-quality outcomes throughout the project lifecycle. This is an onsite role that reports directly to the Chief of Staff at our Everett, WA headquarters.

You Will:

• Translate ambiguous or evolving requirements into structured project plans and executable steps

• Own and execute facility and operational projects end-to-end—from technical planning through on-site implementation

• Leverage engineering expertise to solve novel technical and operational challenges, ensuring solutions are practical, scalable, and aligned with company goals

• Manage competing priorities effectively to consistently meet deadlines and milestones

• Collaborate with internal engineering, operations, and safety teams to maintain clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle

• Proactively identify and resolve technical and execution issues to maintain project momentum

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred, or direct experience with engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Industrial, or related field)

• 3+ years of hands-on experience solving engineering or technical challenges, ideally spanning multiple domains (facilities, operations, R&D, or systems)

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in high-growth environments, with strong technical problem-solving and hands-on build experience

• Experience coordinating with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, especially presenting in translating technical issues and coordinating across teams

• Strong sense of ownership and bias toward action — you move fast while preserving quality and rigor

#LI-Onsite #LI-MM1

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.