Materials Engineering Summer Intern

Location: Everett, WA Department: Material Science Employment Type: Intern Location Type: On-site

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.

What You Will Be Doing

The materials engineering team at Helion is responsible for developing novel metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites necessary to successfully operate current and next generation nuclear fusion systems. As a Materials Engineering Intern, you'll assist in literature reviews to guide laboratory experiments and perform material characterization tests, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and data acquisition. Your work will support ongoing research and includes presenting results during weekly team meetings and at the year-end intern showcase. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop technical skills, collaborate with industry experts, and play an active part in shaping the future of clean energy. This is a 12-week onsite internship at our Everett, WA office.

You Will

Assist in the research and development of new materials, including polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites

Conduct experiments to test the properties and performance of materials under various conditions

Analyze data from material tests and experiments to identify trends and optimize material properties

Support the characterization of materials using techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing

Contribute to the documentation and reporting of research findings, including technical reports and presentations

Participate in cross-functional team meetings to discuss project progress and challenges

Required Skills

Ability to work full time, onsite for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks during summer 2027 in Everett, WA

Currently enrolled in Graduate (Master’s or PhD) degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry or a related field

GPA of 3.0 or above

Fundamental background in materials science principles, including material properties, thermodynamics (incl. phase diagrams), and mechanics

Experience with laboratory techniques and material characterization tools and a willingness to learn

Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with software tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or Origin)

#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

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.