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)  

• Experience machining refractory metals  

You are encouraged to apply even if you don't have all the typical qualifications. Modern Hydrogen values diverse experiences, backgrounds and ideas, and we know diversity of thought contributes to our success. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.    

Working Conditions: 

This is for dayshift and onsite role. The Senior R&D Machinist will be required to work on-site in our facility in Woodinville, WA 5 days per week and attend quarterly company events in the Seattle area. These events are geared towards fostering connections between colleagues, building a strong team, and having fun together. Overtime may occasionally be required for this role.   

What We Offer: 

Modern Hydrogen offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families: 

• Pay Range: $30 - $48 / hour. *Final compensation may vary based on location, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, etc. 

• Equity: Company ownership through incentive stock options (ISOs). 

• Retirement Savings: SIMPLE IRA plan with a 3% company match. 

• Employee Health Coverage: $15 PPO or HSA medical, dental and vision plan through Premera, with an optional upgrade to advanced vision coverage with VSP.  

• Dependent Health Coverage: 50% company-paid. 

• Optional Health Savings: Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for eligible medical plans. 

• Life and AD&D Insurance: Company paid $100,000 benefit with an option to purchase supplemental coverage. 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, wellness, and life planning. 

• Paid Time Off: 10 vacation (PTO) days annually (with increasing accrual based on tenure), sick leave, 2 personal days per year (prorated upon hire), 8 company-paid holidays, bereavement and jury duty leave. 

• Paid Parental Leave: Paid time away to welcome a new family member. 

• Professional Development: Annual budget for learning and growth opportunities (manager approval required). 

• Immigration Sponsorship and Relocation Support: May be offered for exceptional talent based on role and business needs. 

• Additional perks: A dog-friendly office, a fully stocked breakroom, regular team lunches, and more! 

Modern Hydrogen is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Modern Hydrogen encourages individuals from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in the energy and technology sectors, to apply. Applicants requiring assistance or accommodation due to a disability may contact [email protected] to ensure the application process is accessible.