Prototype Engineering Lead
Core
Lead the end-to-end setup and operations of an in-house prototyping division (machine shop, sheet metal, assembly, SMT) to deliver same-day/next-day turnaround for hardware engineers.
Role type
Prototype Engineering Lead (Operations & Setup)
Builds
In-house prototyping infrastructure (machine shop, sheet metal cell, assembly area, SMT line) and rapid-turnaround hardware parts
Domain
Hardware infrastructure, AI inference systems, data center equipment
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | infrastructure
Required skills
Manufacturing operations leadership, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, team hiring/management, budget management, quality infrastructure setup, ERP/MES implementation
Preferred skills
Machine shop startup from scratch, PCBA/SMT NPI processes, liquid-cooled server assembly, California manufacturing compliance, high-growth startup experience
Technologies
CNC milling, waterjet cutting, CNC press brake, welding, SMT (stencil printing, pick and place, reflow, AOI, X-ray), ERP/MES systems
Responsibilities
Plan space, select/procure equipment, and commission machine shop/SMT lines; Hire and lead machinists/fabricators; Manage division budget and vendor relationships; Implement quality systems (inspection, calibration, failure analysis); Partner with engineering teams on design-for-manufacturability
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with team leadership