Freelance Machine Shop Manager Jobs in California

Prototype Machine Shop Manager

Atomic Machines – Santa Clara, CA
Full Time
Salary Range: $150,000 – $190,000 + Equity & Benefits
Location: Santa Clara, California

Company Overview

Atomic Machines is redefining precision manufacturing through its groundbreaking Matter Compiler™ micromanufacturing platform. This multi-process, multi-material system enables the creation of micromachines and advanced mechanical components 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 MEMS, micro-mechanical systems, and next-generation device architectures.

With locations in Emeryville and Santa Clara, Atomic Machines operates at the forefront of CNC machining, automation, metrology, prototyping, materials science, and digital manufacturing.

About the Role

Atomic Machines is seeking a Prototype Machine Shop Manager to lead the full-capability machine shop at its Santa Clara facility. In this role, you will manage a team of Prototype Machinists and Shop Technicians, drive operational excellence, develop machining processes, and ensure the delivery of high-precision components used in the Matter Compiler™ platform.

This position blends leadership, hands-on machining expertise, CNC programming knowledge, and operational management. You’ll be responsible for hiring, training, workflow development, safety compliance, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering and Supply Chain teams.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead & Develop the Santa Clara Machine Shop

• Hire, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of Prototype Machinists and shop staff.
• Oversee procurement, equipment setup, tooling, and overall shop operations.
• Step in as a machinist when needed to support production goals.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and external manufacturing partners.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Maintain and improve internal job tracking and scheduling systems.
• Coordinate machining workflows across Engineering, Supply Chain, and the Emeryville shop.
• Establish and implement best practices around CNC machining, CAM programming, inventory management, and shop efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, quality, and safety.

Ensure Technical Rigor & Manufacturing Quality

• Conduct design reviews and provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback.
• Estimate CAM, setup, machining, and QC timelines for prototype and production work.
• Oversee post-processing workflows (anodizing, finishing vendors, etc.).
• Manage preventative maintenance schedules for CNC machines and shop equipment.
• Maintain proper stock of materials, tooling, and consumables.

Champion Safety & Compliance

• Develop and enforce robust shop safety protocols.
• Partner with Facilities, Safety, and Engineering to maintain a safe and productive environment.

Plan for Growth

• Work with leadership and finance to propose and procure new CNC machines, automation tools, and capital equipment.
• Support long-term roadmap planning for shop capabilities and team growth.

What You’ll NeedExperience & Technical Skills

• 5–10 years of experience as a professional machinist, plus 2–5 years of machine shop management.
• Deep experience with precision CNC machining and diverse fabrication methods (laser cutting, waterjet, wire-EDM, welding, 3D printing, molding, etc.).
• Proficiency with CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, NX) and CAM (Mastercam, HSMWorks, NXCAM) for part creation and toolpath programming.
• Strong understanding of post-processing (anodizing, finishing).
• Skilled in manual machining (mills, lathes, saws, drill presses) and general shop tools.
• Strong grasp of GD&T, metrology, and precision inspection methods.
• Experience using job tracking/scheduling platforms (Airtable, Smartsheet, etc.).
• Ability to provide high-quality DFM guidance and collaborate with engineers.

Leadership & Operational Capabilities

• Proven ability to hire, train, and lead machining teams.
• Excellent communicator and cross-functional collaborator.
• Demonstrated success improving workflows and implementing measurable processes.
• Strong operational problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic R&D environment with shifting priorities.

Education

• Engineering degree, technical/vocational training, or equivalent hands-on experience.