Prototype Machine Shop Manager at Atomic Machines

Santa Clara, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Manufacturing, Micromanufacturing, MEMS, Advanced TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

5–10 years as a professional machinist
2–5 years managing a machine shop
Deep experience in high-precision machining
Broad familiarity with fabrication processes (inferred from context)

Responsibilities

Own the full scope of shop development—from procurement through production—for equipment, tooling, and operations
Build and manage a high-performing team of Prototype Machinists; provide mentorship, create development plans, and ensure a safe, empowering work environment
Step into a machinist's role as required when short-handed
Engage and oversee contractors, external vendors, and internal partners as needed
Maintain and optimize the internal job tracking system; schedule, prioritize, and adapt to changing requirements
Coordinate work across Supply Chain, Engineering, and the Emeryville Shop to ensure seamless execution
Establish key operational metrics, improve workflows, and implement best practices across machining, CAM programming, inventory management, and cross-functional processes
Plan and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and throughput
Conduct design reviews and advise engineers on Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Estimate timelines for CAM, setup, machining, and QC activities
Oversee post-processing workflows and vendor relationships for finishing operations
Manage preventative maintenance to ensure optimal tool performance and minimal downtime
Maintain adequate inventory of materials, consumables, and equipment while ensuring compliant waste disposal
Develop, enforce, and train staff on shop safety policies and best practices
Work cross-functionally with safety, facilities, and other teams to execute projects and maintain a safe, efficient environment
Collaborate with Finance and leadership to plan, justify, and procure new tools and capital equipment
Hire and manage a team of Prototype Machinists and shop technicians working with engineers to make high-precision custom mechanical parts
Maintain a safe shop environment that encourages collaboration with Engineering
Provide feedback on designs to make manufacturing faster, easier, and more repeatable
Act as the liaison between the Santa Clara shop and the engineering teams
Create and implement policies and workflows that keep the shop safe, organized, clean, and efficient
Coach the team and enforce shop policies and training staff

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

CNC MachiningPrototype MachiningPrecision ManufacturingTeam ManagementShop SafetyWorkflow OptimizationCAD FeedbackMechanical Parts FabricationStaff TrainingPolicy Implementation

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Where is the shop located and are there any remote work options?

The machine shop is located in Santa Clara, California, with company offices also in Emeryville and Santa Clara. No remote work options are mentioned.

What are the key responsibilities of the Prototype Machine Shop Manager?

Responsibilities include leading shop development, building and managing a team of Prototype Machinists, driving operational excellence through workflows and metrics, and ensuring manufacturing quality.

What kind of team will I be managing?

You will build and manage a high-performing team of Prototype Machinists and shop technicians, providing mentorship, development plans, and ensuring a safe, empowering work environment.

What is the company culture like for this role?

The role emphasizes maintaining a safe shop environment that encourages collaboration with Engineering, while fostering an empowering work environment through coaching, mentorship, and team development.

What makes a strong candidate for the Shop Manager position?

Strong candidates should have experience leading teams in a machine shop setting, expertise in machining operations, CAM programming, and workflow optimization, plus the ability to step into hands-on machinist roles when needed.

Atomic Machines

Develops machines for atomically precise manufacturing

About Atomic Machines

Atomic Machines develops machines for atomically precise manufacturing (APM), which allows for the creation of physical objects directly from digital designs. Their technology focuses on microfabrication, particularly in producing Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), which are small devices that combine mechanical and electronic components. Unlike traditional methods that rely on silicon, Atomic Machines offers a more efficient approach to MEMS fabrication. They cater to various industries, including semiconductor, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics, providing advanced fabrication solutions that enhance precision, efficiency, and scalability. The company differentiates itself by focusing on APM, aiming to set new standards in manufacturing technology. Their goal is to transform the manufacturing landscape by merging digital and physical production processes.

Berkeley, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2019Year Founded

SEEDCompany Stage

Industrial & Manufacturing, HealthcareIndustries

51-200Employees

Benefits

Professional Development Budget

Risks

Emerging competition from companies like Zyvex Labs in atomically precise manufacturing.

Potential intellectual property disputes as more companies enter the APM space.

Economic downturns could reduce demand for MEMS in key sectors.

Differentiation

Atomic Machines focuses on atomically precise manufacturing, a novel approach in microfabrication.

The company targets diverse industries, including automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

Their innovative MEMS technology offers higher precision and efficiency than traditional methods.

Upsides

Growing demand for MEMS in smart medical devices presents a significant market opportunity.

Advancements in nanomaterials could enhance Atomic Machines' manufacturing capabilities.

The shift to electric vehicles increases the need for advanced MEMS sensors.

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