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Machine Shop Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Winsert

Machine Shop Manager

Marinette, WI · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

This role will lead the machine shop production team ensuring safety, quality, and productivity needs are met and champion a positive work environment / culture. Pay: $95,000 - $105,000 Winsert ...

Northeast Precast

Machine Shop Supervisor

Vineland, NJ · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Northeast Precast Employment Type: Full-Time Position Overview Northeast Precast is seeking an experienced Machine Shop Supervisor to lead daily operations within our CNC and fabrication shop. This ...

University of Utah

Machine Shop Management

Campus, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Schedule and coordinate work assignments, lead daily team activities, and accurately maintain time ... Maintain and upgrade machine shop equipment, instrumentation, and tooling to support evolving ...

University of Utah

Machine Shop Management

Campus, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Schedule and coordinate work assignments, lead daily team activities, and accurately maintain time ... Maintain and upgrade machine shop equipment, instrumentation, and tooling to support evolving ...

University of Utah

Machine Shop Management

Campus, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Schedule and coordinate work assignments, lead daily team activities, and accurately maintain time ... Maintain and upgrade machine shop equipment, instrumentation, and tooling to support evolving ...

Neuralink

Machine Shop Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

As Machine Shop Operations Manager at Neuralink, you will lead day-to-day production operations of CNC machining and other rapid prototyping methods that support complex precision components for ...

Neuralink

Machine Shop Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

As Machine Shop Operations Manager at Neuralink, you will lead day-to-day production operations of CNC machining and other rapid prototyping methods that support complex precision components for ...

Relevante, Inc.

Machine Shop Manager

Paterson, NJ · On-site

Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects or inefficiencies * Implement process ... Manufacturing shop setting with exposure to machinery, noise, and metalworking materials. * Ability ...

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All JobsMachine Shop Lead Jobs

Machine Shop Lead information

See salary details

$36.5K

$76.3K

$119.5K

How much do machine shop lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine shop lead in the United States is $76,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Lead vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop LeadMachinist
CredentialsOften requires experience and leadership skills, certifications varyTypically requires technical training or certifications in machining
Work EnvironmentSupervises and coordinates shop activities, oversees teamOperates machines, performs precision machining tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesCommon in similar industries, focused on machining tasks

The Machine Shop Lead oversees machining operations and manages team members, while the Machinist focuses on operating machines and producing parts. The Lead has more supervisory responsibilities, whereas the Machinist is hands-on with machining tasks. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but the Lead combines technical skills with leadership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Machine Shop Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Lead, you need solid experience in machining processes, blueprint reading, and shop safety, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant apprenticeship. Proficiency with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and familiarity with quality control systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate production efficiently. These abilities are crucial for maintaining workflow, ensuring precision manufacturing, and upholding safety and quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

How does a Machine Shop Lead typically balance hands-on technical work with supervisory responsibilities?

As a Machine Shop Lead, you are expected to split your time between overseeing daily shop operations and participating directly in machining tasks. This often means supervising team members, coordinating workflow, ensuring quality standards, and troubleshooting equipment issues, while also stepping in to operate machinery or handle complex jobs when needed. Balancing these duties requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Leads frequently act as the main point of contact between machinists and management, helping to resolve challenges and facilitate communication across the team.

What does a Machine Shop Lead do?

A Machine Shop Lead oversees daily operations in a machine shop, guiding machinists and technicians to ensure production goals and quality standards are met. They coordinate workflow, assign tasks, and provide technical expertise on the use of machinery and equipment. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining safety protocols, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring machines are properly maintained. The role often involves training new staff, monitoring inventory, and collaborating with engineers or management to improve processes.
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Machine Shop Lead jobs near you
Prototype Machine Shop Manager

Prototype Machine Shop Manager

Atomic Machines

Santa Clara, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 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.

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