HERCULES Proposal Submission Form

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.

HERCULES Proposal Submission Form

Helion’s external funding initiative supports research that develops the materials and technologies required to scale fusion energy from initial power plants to global deployment. With over $17M in funding committed through 2028, HERCULES will support partner-driven projects across three phases:

• Phase 1: $10,000 - $100,000 over 6-8 months

• Phase 2: $100,000 - $500,000 over 12-24 months

• Phase 3: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 to establish a University Center of Excellence 

Research topics in materials science, nuclear engineering, fuel cycle, plasma physics, and pulsed power are listed on the website. Proposals are reviewed year-round, with priority given to those received by January 5, 2026. 

How it works

• Complete the below application questions and submit your proposal in PDF format

• Proposals must be in PDF format and limited to four pages

What to include (Maximum four pages)

• Your team’s capabilities and expertise

• Statement of work

• List of personnel and institutions involved

• Deliverables and funding breakdown

• Overall project schedule

This is your chance to collaborate with Helion on the mission to deliver fusion energy. 

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.