Machine Shop Lead - Prototyping & Precision Manufacturing

Fusion Energy Base; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

PTO 31 days

Company holidays

401(k) match up to 5%

Disability & life insurance

Parental leave

Wellness stipend

Job summary

Helion in Everett, WA seeks a hands-on Machine Shop Lead to oversee day-to-day operations, supervise machinists, welders, and technicians, and deliver rapid prototypes and experimental hardware. You will balance people leadership with technical problem-solving and ensure alignment with engineering teams across the company.

The role requires strong CNC and manual machining expertise, GD&T know-how, and a track record of running fast-paced R&D environments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in machining, manufacturing, and prototype fabrication.
• 3+ years of experience leading or supervising a team.
• Strong understanding of CNC and manual machining operations, tooling, workholding, setup, and fabrication processes
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing or R&D environments
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and mechanical design requirements

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of machinists/welders/technicians, providing coaching, mentorship, performance management, and technical guidance
• Establish daily priorities and coordinate shop resources to support aggressive prototyping, R&D, and production schedules
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement within the machine shop
• Manage workload balancing, staffing, and resource allocation across multiple engineering programs and competing priorities
• Partner closely with engineers to understand design intent and develop practical machining and manufacturing strategies
• Provide design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback to improve part quality, reduce lead times, and increase manufacturing efficiency
• Ensure timely delivery of machined components while maintaining high standards of workmanship and quality
• Partner with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Environment Health & Safety (EHS) teams to ensure safe, aligned, and effective execution
• Drive improvements in machining processes, tooling, workholding, programming, and shop workflows

Skills

Machining leadership

CNC machining

Manual machining

GD&T

Team leadership

Job description

Helion in Everett, WA seeks a hands-on Machine Shop Lead to oversee day-to-day operations, supervise machinists, welders, and technicians, and deliver rapid prototypes and experimental hardware. You will balance people leadership with technical problem-solving and ensure alignment with engineering teams across the company.

The role requires strong CNC and manual machining expertise, GD&T know-how, and a track record of running fast-paced R&D environments.