Model Maker

Posted: 2026-10-05

Location: United States, Washington, Redmond

Salary: USD $85,400 - $168,100 per year

Employment type: Full-Time

Work site: Fully on-site

Travel: Less than 25%Profession: Design & Creative

Discipline: Model Making

Company: Microsoft

Overview: Join the Advanced Prototyping Center (APC), where we bring premium experiences to life through cutting-edge engineering and design. As part of our Architect team, you'll help bridge the gap between design, engineering, and quality by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including industrial designers and various engineering teams, all supported by a world-class prototyping facility that accelerates innovation and product excellence. The Model Maker / Architect plays a critical role in transforming design concepts into physical prototypes and digital models that accelerate innovation and product development. This position requires proficiency in CAD modeling, advanced prototyping techniques, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality outputs. The role emphasizes craftsmanship, precision, and adaptability to evolving technologies and business needs. Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities: Prototype Development: Create innovative designs, visual models, and physical prototypes using advanced model making techniques and best practices. CAD Proficiency: Ability to open and interpret files, accurately model complex geometries and assemblies, work with advanced surfaces, and manage large assemblies including full part assemblies. (Solidworks, Creo, Fusion 360).Collaboration: Work directly with designers, engineers, and cross-functional partners to interpret prototyping needs, communicate feasibility, and provide expert advice to enhance project outcomes. Technical Excellence: Demonstrate mastery in the use and maintenance of shop equipment, finishing tools, and digital software for design. Innovation: Translate exploratory design concepts into functional prototypes that push boundaries in form, function, and manufacturability.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Industrial Technology, or related fieldOR High School Diploma AND 5+ years model making or shop experience, including building and machining appearance models or prototypesOR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Industrial Technology, or related field AND 3+ years model making or prototyping experience in the consumer electronics industry, including building and machining class A appearance models or engineering prototypes. OR equivalent experience.#W+DJOBS#modelmaking#Prototyping#Design#innovation#maker#3D#prototype Model Making IC2 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $85,400 - $168,100 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $111,100 - $183,700 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.