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Associate Machine Shop Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MLOPTIC CORP

Machine Shop Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Machine Shop Lead / Manager (Prototype Machining) We are seeking a Machine Shop Lead / Manager for our new prototype shop in Sunnyvale, CA. This person will report to the Director of Operations and ...

alu

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

We are looking for a CNC Machine Shop Lead who will oversee all operations performed by the personnel under their supervision. Job Requirements: * Work safe and maintain an organized, lean work ...

Light Composites, Inc.

Machinist

Poway, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

The day-shift Machine Shop Lead coordinates under a supervisor who handles technical escalations. On second shift there is no one in the building to escalate to -- technical self-sufficiency is the ...

Light Composites, Inc.

Machinist

Poway, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

The day-shift Machine Shop Lead coordinates under a supervisor who handles technical escalations. On second shift there is no one in the building to escalate to -- technical self-sufficiency is the ...

Endologix

Machine Shop Supervisor

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

... lead role in machine shop environment Skills/Competencies: * Equipment Use: All CNC and manual equipment. Copy machines, fax machines, calculators and personal computers and computer terminals.

Endologix

Machine Shop Supervisor

Santa Rosa, CA

... lead role in machine shop environment Skills/Competencies: * Equipment Use: All CNC and manual equipment. Copy machines, fax machines, calculators and personal computers and computer terminals.

Endologix

Machine Shop Supervisor

Santa Rosa, CA

... lead role in machine shop environment Skills/Competencies: * Equipment Use: All CNC and manual equipment. Copy machines, fax machines, calculators and personal computers and computer terminals.

Atomic Machines

Head of Machine Shop

Emeryville, CA

Lead the Emeryville Machine Shop ● Own day-to-day shop operations, priorities, staffing, and execution. ● Build, manage, and develop a strong team of machinists and shop personnel. ● Create a ...

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All JobsAssociate Machine Shop Lead JobsAssociate Machine Shop Lead Jobs in California

Associate Machine Shop Lead information

What is the difference between Associate Machine Shop Lead vs Machine Shop Technician?

AspectAssociate Machine Shop LeadMachine Shop Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often required
Work EnvironmentLead role in a machine shop, overseeing operationsHands-on work in machining and equipment maintenance
Employer UsageSupervises and coordinates shop activitiesPerforms machining tasks and equipment troubleshooting
Common Search IntentLeadership, oversight, and coordinationTechnical skills, machining, and maintenance

The Associate Machine Shop Lead typically oversees shop operations, coordinating team activities and ensuring quality. In contrast, the Machine Shop Technician focuses on hands-on machining, equipment maintenance, and technical tasks. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, but the lead position emphasizes supervision and coordination, while the technician role emphasizes technical proficiency and operational support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop Lead jobs in California? The most popular types of Machine Shop Lead jobs in California are:
Associate Machine Shop Lead jobs near you

Machine Shop Lead

MLOPTIC CORP

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Machine Shop Lead / Manager (Prototype Machining)


We are seeking a Machine Shop Lead / Manager for our new prototype shop in Sunnyvale, CA. This person will report to the Director of Operations and have primary responsibility for the buildup of capabilities in this facility as we continue to evolve MLOptic in the U.S.

Location

U.S. (Sunnyvale, CA – 501 Mercury Drive) – Onsite five days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Establish Prototype Shop Capabilities, Production Readiness, and Scaling

  • Lead the setup, commissioning, and scaling of a new prototype machine shop including layout optimization and workflow design.
  • Develop machining strategies for new prototype parts, including tool selection, workholding design, and optimal cutting parameters for speed, accuracy, and surface finish.
  • Transition prototype work into scalable production-ready processes where applicable.
  • Support global manufacturing alignment with teams in the U.S., Thailand, Scotland, and China.

Team/Technical Leadership, Machining Expertise, Training & Development, and Collaboration

  • Provide technical leadership and, as needed, hands-on support in CNC machining, precision fabrication, and finishing processes for tight-tolerance components.
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and 3D CAD models to ensure accurate part production.
  • Recruit, train, and mentor machinists and technicians and contribute to a collaborative, problem-solving shop culture.
  • Foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and innovation within the team.
  • Partner with engineering, R&D, and operations teams to support rapid prototyping and new product introduction (NPI).
  • Provide feedback on part geometry, tolerances, and material choices to improve prototype performance and reduce machining complexity.

Process Development, Continuous Improvement, Quality Standards, and Safety & Compliance

  • Develop, document, and standardize machining processes to ensure repeatability, quality, and efficiency.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, 7S and process optimization).
  • Ensure all produced parts meet stringent quality and precision requirements, especially for optical alignment and tolerances.
  • Perform first‑article inspections, document results, and adjust programs or setups to resolve dimensional issues.
  • Establish and enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards.

This role includes the responsibilities outlined above as well as other duties as reasonably assigned to support business needs and operational priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

  • 5+ years in machining/manufacturing with 2+ years in a lead/supervisory role.
  • Proficiency with CAM software (Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM, Hexagon Espirit Edge, or similar).
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and 3D CAD models.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently program, set up, and run complex parts with tight tolerances.
  • Ability to read CMM reports and correlate results with machining adjustments.
  • Proven ability to manage schedules, metrics, and people in a high‑mix CNC environment; strong communication and problem‑solving.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with 5‑axis machining and advanced toolpath strategies.
  • Experience operating or programming a CMM (Zeiss, Mitutoyo, Hexagon, or similar)
  • Lean exposure; familiarity with ERP (Microsoft Dynamics preferred); experience in regulated industries.


Physical Conditions and Work Environment

  • Frequent time on production floor; ability to stand/walk for extended periods; occasional lifting up to ~30–40 lbs; PPE as required.
  • Global, collaborative, and cross‑functional work setting.
  • Requires coordination across different time zones.
  • May require occasional travel depending on business needs.

This role may be classified as exempt or non-exempt depending on the selected candidate's experience, responsibilities, and final scope of the position.