ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Machine Shop Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Matter

Machine Shop Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to ... Manage daily machine shop operations across machining, fabrication, and CNC production, translating ...

General Matter

Machine Shop Manager

Los Angeles, CA

$140/hr

Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to ... Manage daily machine shop operations across machining, fabrication, and CNC production, translating ...

Endologix

Machine Shop Supervisor

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams across sites to develop machining, tooling ... Manage external suppliers and machine shops as needed, ensuring alignment on requirements ...

alu

Machine Shop Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Machine Shop Manager oversees the machine shops in the Susan St/Warner, as well as Alton ... Work directly with programmer(s), machinist(s), and craftsmen to ensure collaborate to create the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMachine Shop Engineer JobsMachine Shop Engineer Jobs in California

Machine Shop Engineer information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$127.1K

$191K

How much do machine shop engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine shop engineer in California is $127,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine shop engineer?

Machine Shop Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and oversee the manufacturing processes in a machine shop environment. They are responsible for creating detailed plans for producing parts or products, selecting appropriate materials, setting up and maintaining machinery, and ensuring that safety and quality standards are met. These engineers often collaborate with machinists, technicians, and other engineers to optimize workflow and improve efficiency. Their expertise is vital in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where precision and quality are critical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop engineer?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, machining processes, and manufacturing principles, often supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC machinery, and industry standards like ISO 9001 is critical for designing and optimizing production workflows. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and troubleshooting issues. These competencies ensure efficient production, high-quality output, and the ability to adapt to evolving manufacturing technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Machine Shop Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision and quality while meeting tight production deadlines, managing equipment downtime, and ensuring workplace safety. Addressing these issues involves close collaboration with machinists and maintenance teams, implementing preventive maintenance schedules, and continuously monitoring production processes for improvement opportunities. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is staying updated with the latest manufacturing technologies and best practices to enhance productivity and quality.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Engineer vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop EngineerMachinist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing EngineeringHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee manufacturing processes, and optimize machining operationsOperate and set up machine tools to produce parts
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing plants, engineering firms, and product development

While Machine Shop Engineers focus on designing and improving machining processes, Machinists are hands-on workers who operate machine tools to produce parts. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but they differ in responsibilities, education, and daily tasks.

Is a CNC job a good career?

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) job as a machine shop engineer involves operating and programming CNC machines to produce precision parts, often requiring knowledge of CAD/CAM software and metalworking skills. It offers steady employment opportunities, competitive wages, and potential for advancement with experience and certifications. The role typically involves working in manufacturing environments with regular shifts and safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Engineer jobs in California?

For Machine Shop Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Shop Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Shop Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Machine Shop Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Machine Shop Engineer job openings:

Machine Shop Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,083 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Prototype Machine Shop Manager

Atomic Machines

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

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.

Apply