Instructional System Designer

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:

You will lead the growth and execution of learning experiences within the Research and Development team to support Helion’s continued operations and scaling of fusion machines. You’ll develop training programs and contribute to cultivating a strong learning culture amongst operators and technicians. This is an onsite role that reports directly to the Research and Development Manager at our Everett, WA office.

You Will:

• Design, develop, and implement blended learning programs that support compliance, qualification, and role-specific training for fusion machine operations, maintenance, and other safety-critical testing environments

• Lead multiple concurrent learning design projects from discovery through deployment, balancing quality, stakeholder needs, and the pace of a fast-moving R&D environment

• Partner with R&D Engineering teams to ensure personnel readiness to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot fusion machines through effective technical training and certification programs

• Conduct learning needs analyses with subject matter experts across technical disciplines, translating complex concepts into measurable learning objectives and scalable training solutions

• Manage and scale learning content within Helion’s Learning Management System (LMS), including information architecture, content governance, and the creation of SCORM/xAPI-compliant learning experiences using Articulate 360 or similar tools

• Measure learning effectiveness using Kirkpatrick or comparable evaluation frameworks, leveraging learner performance and operational data to continuously improve training outcomes and workforce capability

• Maintain a centralized, version-controlled technical learning library that ensures training content remains accurate, accessible, and aligned with evolving operational requirements

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of experience designing, developing, and delivering learning programs in high-growth technology, manufacturing, or startup environments, with expertise in instructional design, needs analysis, curriculum development, assessment design, and learning evaluation

• Demonstrated success managing complex learning initiatives and collaborating across functions, quickly building subject matter expertise and transform it into effective, learner-centered experiences

• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and modern digital learning technologies, including Articulate Storyline, Rise, and AI-powered learning tools, with experience leveraging technology to scale learning programs and improve learner outcomes

• Deep expertise in developing technical, safety-critical, compliance, and role-based training programs, particularly in high-voltage, manufacturing, or similarly regulated environments, serving diverse audiences across functions and disciplines

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.