What You Will Be Doing:You will lead the day-to-day operations of Helion's machine shop, directly supervising a team of machinists, welders and technicians responsible for delivering rapid prototypes, experimental hardware, and bridge-production components. In this role, you will balance people leadership, operational execution, and technical problem-solving, ensuring the machine shop remains a trusted partner to engineering teams across the company. You will report directly to the Machine Shop Manager at our Everett, WA location. Ability to work flexible hours, will be responsible for Day Shift (6am-2pm) and Evening Shift (10am-7pm).
You Will:- 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
Required Skills:- 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
Preferred Skills:- Experience supporting prototype development, production, new product introduction (NPI), or manufacturing process development
- Experience collaborating closely with engineering teams and providing manufacturability feedback
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and shifting schedules
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BenefitsOur total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
- 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
- 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
- Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
- Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
- Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
- Annual wellness stipend