Senior R&D Machinist

Modern Hydrogen is seeking a Senior R&D Machinist to join our Manufacturing team based in Woodinville, WA. The ideal candidate is mission-driven and excited to contribute to a fast-paced, cleantech company focused on decarbonizing the energy system. This role requires a demonstrated commitment to excellence, a mindset of constant improvement, a strong sense of ownership, and the ability to fail well and adapt quickly. The successful candidate values time, works with urgency, embraces effective teamwork, and thrives in a culture that prioritizes safety. 

The Senior Machinist’s goal is to operate machines and produce complex production and prototype parts to high-tolerance design specifications in an accurate and timely manner. In this role, you will produce prototype parts spanning basic designs to complex assemblies. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary and collaborative team of fabricators, designers, technicians, engineers, and scientists.  

Responsibilities:  

• Machine high quality, precision parts and tooling in a variety of materials (e.g. 304/316 SS, Nickel 200, Copper 101, superalloy/refractory materials)  

• Handle material from rough stock to finished parts  

• Set up and operate conversational equipment (ProtoTrak Lathe and Mill)  

• Set up and operate a CNC lathe and mill  

• Design and fabricate custom tools and fixtures  

• Study drawings, schematics, engineering information, or sample parts to determine product dimensions and tolerances as well as best method and sequence of operations needed to fabricate parts  

• Assist engineers and designers with design activities and make suggestions relating to machining and fabrication of parts and assemblies  

• Help maintain shop equipment, inventory, and supplies  

• Train coworkers on machine shop equipment and safety procedures  

• Assist in other work areas, including but not limited to performing and assisting with test setup and equipment assembly  

• Examine machines and mechanical equipment to diagnose any sources of trouble  

• Other duties as assigned   

Supervisory Responsibilities: None. 

Essential skills, knowledge, and abilities:  

• Hands-on experience with the operation of manual or ProtoTRAK machines  

• Experience with CAM Software and programing parts  

• Understanding and experience with reading imperial and metric dimensions and tolerances, including GD&T  

• Experience using outside and inside micrometers, vernier calipers, and vernier height and depth gauges  

• Understanding of how to select and prepare appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used for machining work in both soft materials (e.g., plastic, copper, aluminum, etc.) as well as superalloy/refractory materials (e.g., Molybdenum, Tungsten, Inconel, etc.)  

• Experience designing alignment and holding fixtures, 3 and 4-jaw chucks, attachments, and materials onto machines  

• Excellent problem-solving skills and solution orientation  

• Impeccable written and verbal communication  

• Ability and enthusiasm to work as part of a highly collaborative, dynamic, and diverse team 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint), as well as chat and teleconferencing applications (e.g. Teams, Slack) 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• High school education or equivalent  

• 6-10 years of experience as a prototype machinist in a commercial environment  

• Experience with metrology tools such as gauges, calipers, and micrometers 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Vocational Technical Training  

• Experience working in a startup environment  

• Experience using and maintaining CNC machines and TRAK mill/lathe  

• Knowledge of multi-axis CNC milling and turning   

• Experience with modern CAM software (Autodesk-Fusion 360, MasterCAM, or similar)  

• Experienc