Machine Shop Project Manager Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Team Description:

The Machine Shop team within Neuralink's hardware organization is responsible for delivering ultra-precision mechanical components that go into our implants, surgical robots, electrode arrays, wireless chargers, and associated consumables. This includes CNC machining and rapid prototyping operations in a fast-paced, low-to-mid-volume, high-mix environment where every part must meet the stringent quality, biocompatibility, and reliability standards required for life-changing medical devices. Our team combines manufacturing expertise with rapid iteration to support both R&D prototypes and scalable production.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

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 brain-computer interfaces, surgical tools, and implant hardware across our Austin, Texas and San Francisco, California facilities. This role blends operational oversight and execution with industrialization and manufacturing engineering to ensure that design execution, quality frameworks, and shop processes remain synchronized with the organization's high-level objectives. This hands-on leadership role serves as the primary interface between the machine shop and cross-functional teams (Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance), driving manufacturability and production readiness across our programs.The position will require frequent travel between machine shop sites (expectation monthly).

• Leading day-to-day operations and execution in our expanding CNC machine shop across two locations, including staffing, work assignments, and production prioritization
• Supervising CNC programmers/machinists, setup technicians, and machine operators to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution
• Maintaining technical oversight of machining processes including setups, tooling strategy, and troubleshooting to ensure quality and efficiency
• Troubleshooting machining issues related to tooling, machine performance, workholding, dimensional variation, and downtime
• Ensuring all work adheres to technical drawings, controlled documentation, and medical-device traceability standards
• Driving shop performance through metrics-based monitoring of safety, quality, yield, and operational efficiency
• Maintaining readiness of machines, tooling, fixtures, gauges, and materials needed to support production
• Supporting hiring, onboarding, and skills development for machine shop personnel
• Partnering with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Production Leadership to drive end-to-end production readiness, ensuring processes, schedules, and resources meet business goals
• Supporting rapid prototyping and quick-turn machining operations to enable fast design iteration and aggressive development timelines
• Supporting early design for manufacturability (DFM) initiatives to allow designs to best be built for cost, quality, and scalability
• Driving process development and industrialization from prototype through production, including routing, cycle time, and process capability improvements
• Developing and managing capacity planning and capital equipment strategy aligned with product roadmap, executing against planned timelines and budgets
• Establishing and monitoring process capability (Cp/Cpk), yield, and first-pass quality metrics
• Implementing structured manufacturing practices such as PFMEA, control plans, and work instructions where appropriate
• Driving continuous improvement using Lean, root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why), and data-driven problem solving

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a management or senior supervisory role overseeing production operations.
• Proven experience in manufacturing, industrialization, or operations engineering within a fast-paced production environment
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and process documentation
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced production environment with shifting priorities
• Ability to triage and prioritize shop issues and workloads, track key performance metrics, and develop and manage budgets
• Knowledge of precision manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, EDM, or similar), with ability to engage technically without requiring deep hands-on machining expertise
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally between the two locations

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of CNC machining and other rapid prototyping methodology experience in a production environment
• Experience in medical-device, aerospace, defense, or high-precision electromechanical manufacturing
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, ISO 10993, 21 CFR, traceability, and configuration control requirements
• Experience with multi-axis CNC mills, lathes, and secondary machining operations
• Experience with CAM programming and manufacturing software (Mastercam, ESPRIT, or equivalent)
• Experience with Siemens and FANUC controls
• Experience collaborating with CNC programmers and manufacturing engineers to optimize machining strategy, tooling, and process flow
• Experience machining medical/aerospace-grade materials such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, PEEK, and other biocompatible polymers
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methods
• Experience in low-volume, high-mix or prototype-to-production manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of rapid prototype methodologies and experience balancing high-velocity R&D prototyping with production requirements