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Machine Shop Operations Manager Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Mechanical Operations Lab Lead

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $100/hr

You will manage a diverse footprint that spans a traditional machine shop, an advanced additive ... Lab Operations & Machine Maintenance * Machine Shop Ownership: Supervise and maintain machine shop ...

Mechanical Operations Lab Lead

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $100/hr

You will manage a diverse footprint that spans a traditional machine shop, an advanced additive ... Lab Operations & Machine Maintenance * Machine Shop Ownership: Supervise and maintain machine shop ...

Mechanical Operations Lab Lead

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

You will manage a diverse footprint that spans a traditional machine shop, an advanced additive ... Lab Operations & Machine Maintenance * Machine Shop Ownership: Supervise and maintain machine shop ...

You will manage a diverse footprint that spans a traditional machine shop, an advanced additive ... Lab Operations & Machine Maintenance * Machine Shop Ownership: Supervise and maintain machine shop ...

You will manage a diverse footprint that spans a traditional machine shop, an advanced additive ... Lab Operations & Machine Maintenance * Machine Shop Ownership: Supervise and maintain machine shop ...

Machinist

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$36 - $48/hr

... Operation * Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and related machine shop equipment to manufacture precision prototype and low-volume production components. * Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T ...

Welder

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$28.02 - $40.32/hr

Maintain all machine shop equipment * Notify management of shop consumables (i.e. cutting oils ... Will be required to work in a safe manner in machine shop operations * Must demonstrate high levels ...

Welder

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$28.02 - $40.32/hr

Maintain all machine shop equipment * Notify management of shop consumables (i.e. cutting oils ... Will be required to work in a safe manner in machine shop operations * Must demonstrate high levels ...

Be Seen First

General Shop Worker

Gilroy, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Support machining operations including drilling, grinding, and using power tools for some ... shop equipment to ensure optimal performance.

Responsible for providing quality service, ordering necessary merchandise and managing the golf shop operations. DAY-TO-DAY * Responsible for efficient and friendly customer service throughout the ...

Our impact is tangible, from connected machines that save fuel to data-driven insights that reduce ... Operations Manager, Manufacturing Director, Defense, Aerospace, Supply Chain, AS9100, ITAR, Six ...

Our impact is tangible, from connected machines that save fuel to data-driven insights that reduce ... Operations Manager, Manufacturing Director, Defense, Aerospace, Supply Chain, AS9100, ITAR, Six ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Shop Operations Manager information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$42.9K

$89.7K

$140.3K

How much do machine shop operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine shop operations manager in Santa Clara, CA is $89,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $105,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a machine shop operations manager do?

A Machine Shop Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of a machine shop, ensuring that production schedules are met while maintaining quality and safety standards. They are responsible for managing staff, coordinating workflow, maintaining equipment, and implementing process improvements. This role often involves budgeting, training employees, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the manager acts as a bridge between upper management and shop floor workers.

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

To thrive as a Machine Shop Operations Manager, you need strong expertise in machining processes, manufacturing operations, and a relevant technical degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with CNC programming, CAD/CAM software, lean manufacturing principles, and ERP systems is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and optimizing workflows. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure operational efficiency, product quality, and a safe, productive work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop operations manager, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Machine Shop Operations Manager often faces challenges such as balancing production schedules with equipment maintenance, ensuring high product quality, and managing a diverse team of machinists and technicians. Effective communication and proactive planning are key to addressing these issues. Implementing regular training, fostering a culture of safety, and leveraging lean manufacturing principles can help streamline operations and reduce downtime. Collaboration with engineering, purchasing, and quality assurance teams is also essential for meeting production goals and adapting to changing project requirements.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Operations Manager vs Machine Shop Supervisor?

AspectMachine Shop Operations ManagerMachine Shop Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall shop operations, strategic planning, and process improvementsManages daily shop activities, supervises workers, and ensures production targets are met
CredentialsTypically requires experience in manufacturing, leadership skills, and sometimes a degree in engineering or related fieldOften requires technical skills, experience in machining, and supervisory training
Work EnvironmentOffice and shop floor, focusing on management and coordinationPrimarily on the shop floor, overseeing machining processes and staff
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing plants, machine shops, and industrial facilitiesUsed in similar environments, focusing on daily operations and team supervision

The Machine Shop Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight and long-term planning, while the Machine Shop Supervisor handles daily operations and team management. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the manager's role is broader and more administrative.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Shop Operations Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

For Machine Shop Operations Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Shop Operations Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Shop Operations Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Machine Shop Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Machine Shop Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Shop Operations Manager job openings in Santa Clara, CA 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 $89,665 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance Technician

Periodic Labs

Menlo Park, CA โ€ข On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

About Periodic Labs
We're an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what's scientifically possible.
About the Role
Periodic Labs is building an autonomous laboratory for high-throughput materials discovery - combining advanced synthesis, characterization, automation, robotics, and AI to accelerate the development of next-generation materials. We're looking for a highly capable, hands-on Laboratory Operations & Maintenance Technician to help build, maintain, and scale the physical infrastructure that enables our scientific and engineering teams to move quickly.
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys solving practical problems, working with tools, building systems, troubleshooting equipment, and taking ownership of laboratory operations. You'll work across equipment maintenance, gas and vacuum systems, utilities, instrumentation, automation support, machine shop operations, inventory management, and laboratory buildout projects.
What You'll Do
Equipment Maintenance & Reliability
  • Execute preventative maintenance programs for laboratory equipment using MaintainX CMMS; develop and improve maintenance procedures, inspection checklists, and work order templates
  • Perform routine inspections, cleaning, calibration checks, and equipment upkeep across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, gas, vacuum, and fluid handling systems
  • Take initiative to troubleshoot to component level and repair equipment; identify recurring failure modes and implement corrective actions to improve uptime
  • Coordinate service visits and maintenance activities with equipment vendors
  • Service vacuum pumps, cooling water systems, chillers, and associated infrastructure; verify equipment meets OEM specifications after maintenance or repairs

Asset Management & Documentation
  • Maintain an accurate asset registry within MaintainX, including equipment records (manuals, schematics, service histories, serial numbers, manufacturer contacts)
  • Label equipment with asset numbers and QR codes; update equipment layouts, utility matrices, and infrastructure documentation
  • Track maintenance history and equipment performance metrics

Utilities & Infrastructure
  • Maintain laboratory utility systems including compressed gases, vacuum systems, process cooling water, exhaust systems, gas detection, and general lab infrastructure
  • Build and modify gas and fluid handling systems from P&IDs and engineering drawings; assemble and install tubing, regulators, valves, gauges, sensors, and associated hardware
  • Support utility capacity planning and identify infrastructure constraints

Equipment Installation & Commissioning
  • Support installation and startup of new laboratory equipment; coordinate utility hookups including power, water, gas, vacuum, and networking
  • Procure and install supporting infrastructure including tubing, fittings, pumps, sensors, regulators, and instrumentation
  • Perform installation verification and commissioning activities; document as-built configurations and equipment changes

Automation & Controls Support
  • Support Controls and Automation Engineers with equipment integration projects
  • Install and maintain thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, flow meters, solenoid valves, gas sensors, and safety interlocks
  • Route, terminate, and label instrumentation and communication wiring; assist with sensor replacement, control panel modifications, and field troubleshooting

Machine Shop & Fabrication
  • Fabricate fixtures, brackets, guards, adapters, and experimental hardware using drill press, band saw, chop saw, belt sander, bench grinder, manual mill, and manual lathe
  • Modify commercial components and support custom equipment builds; maintain machine shop organization and tooling

Inventory & Laboratory Operations
  • Maintain inventories of spare parts, maintenance consumables, PPE, and laboratory supplies; identify critical spare parts and establish appropriate stock levels
  • Receive and organize incoming equipment, chemicals, gases, and supplies; register chemicals and gas cylinders within laboratory inventory systems
  • Coordinate gas cylinder replacement and deliveries; support hazardous waste staging and disposal activities
  • Assist with laboratory organization, equipment moves, and expansion projects

Safety & Compliance
  • Perform all work in accordance with laboratory safety procedures and LOTO requirements; participate in routine safety inspections and identify unsafe conditions
  • Support safe installation and modification of laboratory equipment and infrastructure
  • Maintain clean, organized, and professional workspaces; use all appropriate PPE (lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators)
You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have
  • 5+ years of experience in laboratory operations, manufacturing, semiconductor, chemical processing, pilot plant, industrial maintenance, or a related environment
  • The ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, electrical wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals
  • Strong hands-on experience with hand tools, power tools, and mechanical assembly, with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • An associate degree, technical certification, military technical training, trade apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on experience
  • Comfort operating in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with shifting priorities
Especially Strong Candidates Should Have
  • Swagelok tubing, fitting, and tube bending experience; gas manifold assembly from P&IDs
  • Vacuum systems and/or compressed gas systems experience
  • Semiconductor equipment maintenance experience
  • Electrical troubleshooting down to PCB/component level using multimeters
  • MaintainX or other CMMS experience
  • Forklift or material handling equipment experience
  • Handling of hazardous chemicals & laboratory operations experience
  • Process piping and instrumentation experience
Mechanics
Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or similar experience
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Compensation: $100,000 - $140,000
Visa sponsorship: No, sorry we are not able to sponsor visas at this time.
We're building a team of the world's best - the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don't just follow the frontier, they define it. If you're driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.