Atomic Machines
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 Responsibilities Lead & 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 Need Experience & 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.
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 Responsibilities Lead & 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 Need Experience & 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.