Manager, Controls Development Engineering

About HelionWe 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:You will lead and build a team of Controls Development and Test Automation Engineers to develop and implement automation, controls and testing standards for Helion’s capacitor bank production. In this role, you’ll guide the transition from rapid prototyping to high-volume manufacturing, helping advance Helion’s mission to deliver clean, sustainable electricity to the world. This is an onsite role that reports directly to the Factory Development Manager at our Everett, WA office.You Will:Lead and scale a high-performance team of Automation, Controls and Test Engineers to design, scale, and launch first-of-a-kind products into productionDevelop and standardize manufacturing automation architectures for deployment across multiple production linesCollaborate with equipment suppliers on system design, functionality, design reviews, acceptance testing, and equipment buyoffImplement compliant safety and control systems (ANSI/ISO/OSHA) and produce electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated manufacturing equipmentOptimize and maintain production performance by enabling equipment data reporting (OEE and machine-level metrics), troubleshooting downtime, identifying root causes, and implementing long-term solutionsRequired Skills:7+ years of experience in manufacturing controls within a high-volume production environment2+ years of leadership experience, managing, scaling, and developing engineering teamsDemonstrated success in developing engineers and leaders, with an emphasis on career growth and team capability buildingProven ability to lead complex engineering projects, own schedules and deliverables, and collaborate cross-functionalExtensive experience in machine safety design for automated manufacturing equipment#LI-ONSITE #LI-SA1BenefitsOur 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 stipendHelion 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.Compensation Range: $200K - $236KLocationEverett, WAEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentCapacitor ManufacturingCompensation$200K – $236K