Senior Materials Engineer (Fusion Diagnostics)

Location: On-site in Everett, Washington, United States

Compensation: $164K–$236K annually

Company

hirify.global is a fusion power company developing the Polaris prototype and Orion fusion power plant to provide clean, reliable electricity.

What you will do

• Develop and deploy in-situ and ex-situ diagnostics for degradation and failure in fusion-relevant materials and components.
• Translate material failure modes into measurable signals using sensors, inspection methods, and indirect indicators.
• Design coupled-stimuli experiments and post-irradiation examinations to validate diagnostic methods.
• Build test matrices and analysis plans connecting microstructural evolution, sensor outputs, and component performance.
• Own the materials diagnostics roadmap and define diagnostic requirements, including measurement locations, frequency, and accuracy.
• Integrate diagnostics into hardware, predictive models, and maintenance strategies while documenting procedures and communicating risks and recommendations.

Requirements

• BS with 10+ years, or MS/PhD with 5+ years, in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with materials diagnostics, non-destructive evaluation, or structural health monitoring, including strain, acoustic, optical, electromagnetic, or fiber-optic methods.
• Familiarity with data analysis and feature extraction for degradation detection; Python is preferred.
• Experience designing and executing coupled-stimuli experiments involving thermomechanical, electrothermal, or irradiation conditions with stress.
• Experience embedding or integrating sensors into ceramics, composites, polymers, or metals.

Nice to have

• Experience in fusion, fission, accelerator, or other high-radiation environments.
• Experience with radiation effects and post-irradiation examination.
• Familiarity with high-voltage systems or safety-critical experimental environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their families.
• 31 days of PTO, including 21 vacation days and 10 sick days.
• 10 paid holidays and a company-wide winter break.
• Up to a 5% employer 401(k) match, disability coverage, and life insurance.
• Paid parental leave of up to 16 weeks and an annual wellness stipend.