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R&D Machinist | Seattle, WA

locationSeattle, WA, USA
PublishedPublished: 9/25/2025
CNC Machinist
Full Time

💼 Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site | Flexible Schedule
💰 Compensation: Competitive hourly pay + overtime eligible
🎁 Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, Paid Holidays

About the Role

Made Cascade is seeking an R&D Machinist who thrives on solving problems, thinking like a designer, and pushing projects from concept to finished prototype. This is not a “just make the part” role — you’ll work on one-off and small-batch parts that may need redesign or iteration as projects progress. Alongside our engineering team, you’ll play a hands-on role in CNC machining, CAD design, prototyping, and problem solving for a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, marine, and industrial equipment.

This is a unique opportunity for machinists with both strong technical machining skills and creative design ability who enjoy collaborating in a fast-paced, innovation-driven shop environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Program and operate CNC mills and lathes (HAAS, ProtoTRAK, TRAK)
  • Perform prototyping and light production machining (one-off to small batches)
  • Use Fusion 360 / HSMWorks for CAM programming, including multi-axis and 3D toolpaths
  • Work fluently in SolidWorks for CAD design, drawing creation, and revisions
  • Operate manual machines as needed to support projects
  • Run multiple machines when required and ensure part quality through QC and dimensional checks
  • Perform deburring, polishing, and finishing work on parts
  • Contribute to R&D by supporting CAD work and brainstorming solutions with the design team
  • Maintain equipment (fluid levels, chip clearing, basic service) and a clean workspace
  • Collaborate with engineers, fabricators, and other team members to improve processes and outcomes

Qualifications

  • Trade school training or equivalent machining experience
  • Strong background in CNC programming and setup (Fusion 360 / HSMWorks)
  • Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks) and ability to conceptualize/design parts from scratch
  • Ability to read, create, and revise technical drawings
  • Hands-on machining experience with metals and fabrication processes
  • Strong math and problem-solving skills
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently or as part of a team

Preferred Experience (Nice to Have):

  • Familiarity with HAAS, ProtoTRAK, and TRAK equipment
  • Exposure to ISO / ITAR environments and Quality Management Systems (QMS)
  • Experience with CMM operation and advanced inspection techniques
  • Metal fabrication and welding background

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods in a shop environment
  • Lift/move 10–50 lbs regularly
  • Comfortable with shop PPE, forklift/pallet jack use, and hand/power tools
  • Flexibility to assist on shop projects outside of machining when needed

Benefits & Perks

  • Flexible work schedule, with occasional opportunities for remote CAD work
  • Overtime pay eligibility
  • Comprehensive benefits: subsidized medical, dental, vision insurance
  • Company 401(k) plan
  • 14 days PTO (7 vacation + 7 sick days)
  • 8 paid holidays
  • After-hours access to R&D shop for personal projects

About Made Cascade

Made Cascade is an all-in-one product design and manufacturing company based in Seattle’s Ballard industrial district. We integrate engineering, CAD design, prototyping, and CNC machining under one roof, helping clients turn ideas into market-ready or field-ready products. Our projects span industries like aerospace, consumer products, industrial automation, marine, and more.

We specialize in R&D, iterative prototyping, and small-batch production, with a culture that values creativity, problem-solving, and innovation at every stage of the process.

👉 Apply Today
If you’re an experienced machinist with a passion for design, prototyping, and problem-solving, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief introduction.