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<h2>Prototype Machine Shop Manager</h2><p><strong>Atomic Machines – Santa Clara, CA</strong><br>💼 <strong>Full Time</strong><br>💰 <strong>Salary Range:</strong> $150,000 – $190,000 + Equity &amp; Benefits<br>📍 <strong>Location:</strong> Santa Clara, California</p><h3>Company Overview</h3><p>Atomic Machines is redefining precision manufacturing through its groundbreaking <strong>Matter Compiler™</strong> micromanufacturing platform. This multi-process, multi-material system enables the creation of <strong>micromachines and advanced mechanical components</strong> that cannot be produced using traditional semiconductor fabrication methods. By combining digital programmability with novel materials and manufacturing workflows, Atomic Machines is unlocking new categories of <strong>MEMS, micro-mechanical systems, and next-generation device architectures</strong>.</p><p>With locations in <strong>Emeryville and Santa Clara</strong>, Atomic Machines operates at the forefront of <strong>CNC machining, automation, metrology, prototyping, materials science, and digital manufacturing</strong>.</p><h3>About the Role</h3><p>Atomic Machines is seeking a <strong>Prototype Machine Shop Manager</strong> to lead the full-capability machine shop at its <strong>Santa Clara</strong> facility. In this role, you will manage a team of <strong>Prototype Machinists and Shop Technicians</strong>, drive operational excellence, develop machining processes, and ensure the delivery of high-precision components used in the Matter Compiler™ platform.</p><p>This position blends <strong>leadership, hands-on machining expertise, CNC programming knowledge, and operational management</strong>. You’ll be responsible for hiring, training, workflow development, safety compliance, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering and Supply Chain teams.</p><h3>Key Responsibilities</h3><h4><strong>Lead &amp; Develop the Santa Clara Machine Shop</strong></h4><ul><li>Hire, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of Prototype Machinists and shop staff.</li><li>Oversee procurement, equipment setup, tooling, and overall shop operations.</li><li>Step in as a machinist when needed to support production goals.</li><li>Manage contractors, vendors, and external manufacturing partners.</li></ul><h4><strong>Drive Operational Excellence</strong></h4><ul><li>Maintain and improve internal job tracking and scheduling systems.</li><li>Coordinate machining workflows across Engineering, Supply Chain, and the Emeryville shop.</li><li>Establish and implement best practices around CNC machining, CAM programming, inventory management, and shop efficiency.</li><li>Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, quality, and safety.</li></ul><h4><strong>Ensure Technical Rigor &amp; Manufacturing Quality</strong></h4><ul><li>Conduct design reviews and provide <strong>Design for Manufacturing (DFM)</strong> feedback.</li><li>Estimate CAM, setup, machining, and QC timelines for prototype and production work.</li><li>Oversee post-processing workflows (anodizing, finishing vendors, etc.).</li><li>Manage preventative maintenance schedules for CNC machines and shop equipment.</li><li>Maintain proper stock of materials, tooling, and consumables.</li></ul><h4><strong>Champion Safety &amp; Compliance</strong></h4><ul><li>Develop and enforce robust shop safety protocols.</li><li>Partner with Facilities, Safety, and Engineering to maintain a safe and productive environment.</li></ul><h4><strong>Plan for Growth</strong></h4><ul><li>Work with leadership and finance to propose and procure new CNC machines, automation tools, and capital equipment.</li><li>Support long-term roadmap planning for shop capabilities and team growth.</li></ul><h3>What You’ll Need</h3><h4><strong>Experience &amp; Technical Skills</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>5–10 years of experience as a professional machinist</strong>, plus <strong>2–5 years of machine shop management</strong>.</li><li>Deep experience with <strong>precision CNC machining</strong> and diverse fabrication methods (laser cutting, waterjet, wire-EDM, welding, 3D printing, molding, etc.).</li><li>Proficiency with <strong>CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, NX)</strong> and <strong>CAM (Mastercam, HSMWorks, NXCAM)</strong> for part creation and toolpath programming.</li><li>Strong understanding of <strong>post-processing</strong> (anodizing, finishing).</li><li>Skilled in <strong>manual machining</strong> (mills, lathes, saws, drill presses) and general shop tools.</li><li>Strong grasp of <strong>GD&amp;T</strong>, metrology, and precision inspection methods.</li><li>Experience using job tracking/scheduling platforms (Airtable, Smartsheet, etc.).</li><li>Ability to provide high-quality DFM guidance and collaborate with engineers.</li></ul><h4><strong>Leadership &amp; Operational Capabilities</strong></h4><ul><li>Proven ability to hire, train, and lead machining teams.</li><li>Excellent communicator and cross-functional collaborator.</li><li>Demonstrated success improving workflows and implementing measurable processes.</li><li>Strong operational problem-solving and decision-making skills.</li><li>Ability to thrive in a dynamic R&amp;D environment with shifting priorities.</li></ul><h4><strong>Education</strong></h4><ul><li>Engineering degree, technical/vocational training, or equivalent hands-on experience.</li></ul>

1 CNC Machinist Job in Livermore, CA, USA