David Kirtley

Dr. David Kirtley is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Helion Energy, a pioneering fusion technology company working to make clean, abundant, and affordable electricity a commercial reality. A physicist, engineer, and entrepreneur, Kirtley has dedicated his career to advancing fusion energy as a transformative solution to the world's growing energy and climate challenges.

In 2013, Kirtley co-founded Helion Energy with a mission to develop the world's first commercially viable fusion power plant. Under his leadership, the company has emerged as one of the leading private fusion enterprises, designing a series of increasingly advanced fusion generators that utilize magneto-inertial fusion technology. Helion's engineering-first approach has attracted significant investment from leading technology innovators and positioned the company at the forefront of the race to commercialize fusion power.

Before founding Helion, Kirtley spent more than a decade conducting research in plasma physics, aerospace engineering, and advanced propulsion systems. He served as a principal investigator and fusion research leader at MSNW, where he helped develop technologies for both space propulsion and fusion energy. Earlier in his career, he held research positions at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Glenn Research Center, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams focused on advanced plasma and propulsion technologies.

Widely recognized for his expertise in fusion science and engineering, Kirtley has authored numerous technical papers and holds multiple patents related to plasma physics, fusion systems, and advanced energy technologies. His work reflects a longstanding commitment to solving one of humanity's greatest engineering challenges: providing virtually limitless carbon-free electricity through practical fusion energy.

Kirtley earned bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan, completing advanced studies in aerospace engineering and nuclear engineering. His interdisciplinary background has enabled him to bridge cutting-edge scientific research with large-scale engineering and commercialization.

As CEO, Kirtley continues to guide Helion's long-term strategy, leading a team of scientists, engineers, and innovators committed to transforming fusion from a scientific aspiration into a practical source of clean energy. His vision is centered on delivering reliable, zero-carbon electricity at scale, helping meet global energy demand while supporting a more sustainable future.