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Computational Plasma Scientist - Kinetic / PIC Modeling

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helion logoHelion · Everett, WA
$150K–$200K/yrFull-timeOn-siteToday
FortranJuliaMATLABPython
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Responsibilities

  • You Will:
  • Run kinetic / Particle-in-Cell simulations using WarpX or similar PIC codes to study plasma behavior relevant to Helion's FRC systems
  • Develop and maintain simulation input decks, PICMI scripts, parameter scans, and repeatable workflows for defined kinetic modeling studies
  • Analyze field, particle, and diagnostic outputs from PIC simulations using Python or similar scientific computing tools
  • Compare kinetic simulation results against experimental measurements and summarize findings into clear technical takeaways
  • Work with experimental scientists, diagnostics engineers, RF engineers, and MHD modelers to understand modeling needs, interpret results, and identify when PIC simulations can provide useful insight
  • Build analysis scripts, visualizations, and reduced data products that help make simulation results easier to interpret and share across teams
  • Required Skills:
  • PhD in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Computational Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
  • Relevant experience running, analyzing, or interpreting kinetic / Particle-in-Cell plasma simulations in academic, national lab, or industry settings
  • Strong understanding of kinetic plasma physics and Particle-in-Cell modeling methods
  • Experience running and interpreting PIC simulations using WarpX, OSIRIS, VPIC, EPOCH, Smilei, LSP, FBPIC, or comparable codes
  • Experience supporting simulation studies, including input setup, boundary conditions, parameter scans, convergence checks, or validation workflows
  • Strong scientific programming skills in Python, MATLAB, Julia, C++, Fortran, or similar languages for simulation analysis and visualization
  • Ability to operate autonomously on day-to-day technical tasks while communicating progress, risks, and results clearly to computational, experimental, and cross-functional audiences

Benefits

Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter breakUp to 5% employer 401(k) matchShort term disability, long term disability, and life insurancePaid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)Annual wellness stipendDental insuranceVision insurance401(k)Paid time offParental leave

Additional Information

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 $1.5 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors including Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others to propel us forward. Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion. 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.

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