Computer Aided Design Intern Jobs in Bellingham, WA

About the Role

Instinct Builders is a Bellingham-based, high-end custom residential construction company specializing in cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind architectural solutions; CNC-fabricated cabinetry, custom steel door frames, integrated appliances, furniture, ladders, and more. Our work lives at the intersection of design and fabrication, and we partner closely with architects and designers who bring us demanding, abstract visions that require real manufacturing expertise to execute. We draw on an integrated network of local craftspeople, specialty fabricators, and international material suppliers, coordinating across disciplines, geographies, and timelines simultaneously. We design and manage our own production systems, build our own tools, and maintain a small team with a large footprint.

We're looking for a CAD Operator who is proficient in drafting software, possesses a strong understanding of technical drawings and specifications, and is passionate about both the technical and artistic aspects of design. You'll be a critical link between the design studio and the shop floor.

What You'll Do

•      Receive and interpret design intent from architectural drawings and 3D models, and direct collaboration with our design partners.

•      Develop detailed, production-ready 3D models and shop drawings in Autodesk Fusion 360 for CNC fabrication, custom metalwork, and millwork.

•      Build and maintain Revit models for coordination, documentation, and integration with Autodesk Forma/Build for project information management.

•      Translate architectural geometry into manufacturable components — resolving conflicts between design intent and real-world material constraints, joinery, clearances, and structural requirements.

•      Generate accurate cut lists, material schedules, assembly drawings, and CNC toolpath-ready files.

•      Manage file exchange between platforms, maintaining geometry fidelity across translations.

•      Collaborate directly with project managers, fabricators, and on-site teams to clarify details and iterate quickly.

•      Maintain organized, versioned project files within our document management workflows.

What We're Looking For

Required

•      Proficiency in Autodesk Fusion 360 — parametric modeling, assemblies, drawings, and ideally CAM/toolpath setup.

•      Working knowledge of Autodesk Revit — families, views, sheets, and coordination workflows.

•      Ability to read and interpret files from Rhino and SketchUp and extract usable geometry.

•      Strong spatial reasoning and the ability to think through how something is built, not just how it looks.

•      Comfort working on custom, non-repeating scopes.

•      Attention to detail in dimensioning, tolerancing, and documentation.

Preferred

•      Experience with Autodesk Forma or Autodesk Build for project coordination and information management.

•      Exposure to CNC fabrication workflows (nesting, toolpath review, G-code familiarity).

•      Background in millwork, custom metalwork, or residential construction fabrication.

•      Understanding of material properties relevant to cabinet-grade wood, steel, and architectural hardware.

You'll Thrive Here If You...

•      Enjoy solving problems that don't have a standard answer.

•      Take pride in the craftsmanship of your drawings — not just their accuracy, but their clarity.

•      Are a self-starter who can manage multiple active projects without losing track of the details.

•      Are curious about how things are made and want to be part of the full process from concept to installation.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is anticipated to be $30-$40hr/ depending on experience and qualifications. Work schedule is four 10hr days, Monday through Thursday. Benefits include comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance, a retirement plan with a company match, potential performance bonus, paid time off and holidays, flexibility with unpaid time off, and professional development support.