Machine Shop Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Machine Shop Lead / Manager (Prototype Machining)

We are seeking a Machine Shop Lead / Manager for our new prototype shop in Sunnyvale, CA. This person will report to the Director of Operations and have primary responsibility for the buildup of capabilities in this facility as we continue to evolve MLOptic in the U.S.

Location

U.S. (Sunnyvale, CA – 501 Mercury Drive) – Onsite five days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Establish Prototype Shop Capabilities, Production Readiness, and Scaling

• Lead the setup, commissioning, and scaling of a new prototype machine shop including layout optimization and workflow design.
• Develop machining strategies for new prototype parts, including tool selection, workholding design, and optimal cutting parameters for speed, accuracy, and surface finish.
• Transition prototype work into scalable production-ready processes where applicable.
• Support global manufacturing alignment with teams in the U.S., Thailand, Scotland, and China.

Team/Technical Leadership, Machining Expertise, Training & Development, and Collaboration

• Provide technical leadership and, as needed, hands-on support in CNC machining, precision fabrication, and finishing processes for tight-tolerance components.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and 3D CAD models to ensure accurate part production.

• Recruit, train, and mentor machinists and technicians and contribute to a collaborative, problem-solving shop culture.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and innovation within the team.

• Partner with engineering, R&D, and operations teams to support rapid prototyping and new product introduction (NPI).
• Provide feedback on part geometry, tolerances, and material choices to improve prototype performance and reduce machining complexity.

Process Development, Continuous Improvement, Quality Standards, and Safety & Compliance

• Develop, document, and standardize machining processes to ensure repeatability, quality, and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, 7S and process optimization).

• Ensure all produced parts meet stringent quality and precision requirements, especially for optical alignment and tolerances.
• Perform first‑article inspections, document results, and adjust programs or setups to resolve dimensional issues.
• Establish and enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards.

This role includes the responsibilities outlined above as well as other duties as reasonably assigned to support business needs and operational priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years in machining/manufacturing with 2+ years in a lead/supervisory role.
• Proficiency with CAM software (Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM, Hexagon Espirit Edge, or similar).
• Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and 3D CAD models.
• Demonstrated ability to independently program, set up, and run complex parts with tight tolerances.
• Ability to read CMM reports and correlate results with machining adjustments.
• Proven ability to manage schedules, metrics, and people in a high‑mix CNC environment; strong communication and problem‑solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 5‑axis machining and advanced toolpath strategies.
• Experience operating or programming a CMM (Zeiss, Mitutoyo, Hexagon, or similar)
• Lean exposure; familiarity with ERP (Microsoft Dynamics preferred); experience in regulated industries.

Physical Conditions and Work Environment

• Frequent time on production floor; ability to stand/walk for extended periods; occasional lifting up to ~30–40 lbs; PPE as required.
• Global, collaborative, and cross‑functional work setting.
• Requires coordination across different time zones.
• May require occasional travel depending on business needs.

This role may be classified as exempt or non-exempt depending on the selected candidate's experience, responsibilities, and final scope of the position.