What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prototype Machine Shop Manager position at atomicmachines?
About The Role:
As our Shop Manager, you will be responsible for the operational excellence of our full-capability machine shop in Santa Clara. This includes hiring and managing a team of Prototype Machinists and shop technicians working with engineers to make high-precision custom mechanical parts, while maintaining a safe shop environment that encourages collaboration with Engineering. You will provide feedback on designs to make manufacturing faster, easier, and more repeatable. You will think quickly, produce quality work, and anticipate concerns before they become blockers. You will be the liaison between the Santa Clara shop and the engineering teams. You will also be responsible for creating and implementing policies and workflows that keep the shop safe, organized, clean and efficient. You will be responsible for coaching the team, and enforcing shop policies and training staff.
What You’ll Do:
Lead and Develop the Santa Clara Shop
- Own the full scope of shop development—from procurement through production—for equipment, tooling, and operations.
- Build and manage a high-performing team of Prototype Machinists; provide mentorship, create development plans, and ensure a safe, empowering work environment.
- Step into a machinists role as required when short handed.
- Engage and oversee contractors, external vendors, and internal partners as needed.
Drive Operational Excellence
- Maintain and optimize the internal job tracking system; schedule, prioritize, and adapt to changing requirements.
- Coordinate work across Supply Chain, Engineering, and the Emeryville Shop to ensure seamless execution.
- Establish key operational metrics, improve workflows, and implement best practices across machining, CAM programming, inventory management, and cross-functional processes.
- Plan and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and throughput.
Ensure Technical Rigor and Manufacturing Quality
- Conduct design reviews and advise engineers on Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
- Estimate timelines for CAM, setup, machining, and QC activities.
- Oversee post-processing workflows and vendor relationships for finishing operations.
- Manage preventative maintenance to ensure optimal tool performance and minimal downtime.
- Maintain adequate inventory of materials, consumables, and equipment while ensuring compliant waste disposal.
Champion Safety & Compliance
- Develop, enforce, and train staff on shop safety policies and best practices.
- Work cross-functionally with safety, facilities, and other teams to execute projects and maintain a safe, efficient environment.
Plan for Growth
- Collaborate with Finance and leadership to plan, justify, and procure new tools and capital equipment.
What You’ll Need:
Experience & Technical Skills
- 5–10 years as a professional machinist, plus 2–5 years managing a machine shop.
- Deep experience in high-precision machining and broad familiarity with fabrication tools and processes (CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, waterjet, wire-EDM, 3D printing, injection molding, vacuum forming, etc.).
- Proficiency with CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, NX, etc.) and CAM (HSMWorks, NXCAM, MasterCAM, etc.) for creating and modifying parts.
- Strong understanding of post-processing operations such as anodizing.
- Experience with task-management or scheduling tools (Airtable, Smartsheet, etc.).
- Ability to review designs for manufacturability and collaborate with engineers on improvements.
- Working knowledge of GD&T and basic metrology.
- Skilled in operating manual machines (mills, lathes, drill presses, saws) and hand tools.
Leadership & Operational Capabilities
- Demonstrated ability to hire, develop, and manage high-performance teams.
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Proven track record of driving workflow improvements and implementing data-driven processes.
- Effective problem-solving capabilities across both technical and operational domains.
- Ability to manage complex, shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.
Education
- Engineering degree or relevant technical/vocational education; equivalent experience considered.
The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.
Salary Range
$150,000 - $190,000 USD
Salary : $150 - $190