Senior Environmental Engineer
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 do:
The Senior Environmental Engineer will lead environmental compliance initiatives across Helion's research and operational facilities. This role will ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local environmental regulations while supporting the company's commitment to safe, sustainable, and innovative clean energy development. The position involves both strategic planning and hands-on implementation of environmental programs, with a focus on permitting, compliance, and hazardous materials management. This is an onsite role that reports directly to Sr. Manager of EHS at our Everett, WA office.
You Will:
- Lead environmental compliance programs including air, water, waste, stormwater, and hazardous materials management
- Develop, implement, and maintain environmental management systems (EMS) aligned with ISO 14001 principles
- Manage permitting activities (EPA, Washington State Department of Ecology, WAC, and other state/local agencies) and ensure regulatory compliance
- Oversee hazardous waste programs, including waste minimization strategies
- Perform and document environmental risk assessments, audits, and site inspections
- Provide technical guidance to engineering and operations teams on environmental impacts of projects and processes
- Serve as the primary point of contact with environmental regulatory agencies and manage all reporting requirements
- Mentor and manage Hazardous Waste Technicians and provide environmental training to employees
- Create SPCC site plan
- Support emergency response planning and incident investigations related to environmental releases
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in environmental engineering, compliance, or related roles
- In-depth knowledge of federal and Washington State environmental regulations (RCRA, CERCLA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, WAC, Department of Ecology requirements)
- Demonstrated experience with environmental permitting and regulatory reporting
- Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills
#LI-TM1 #LI-Onsite
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.