Machine Shop Manager

Astro Mechanica CORP.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Stock options

Paid time off and holidays

In-office collaboration culture

Job summary

Astro Mechanica in San Francisco is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Leader to run our in-house machine shop, supporting propulsion, airframe, and test hardware development. You will lead machinists, programmers, and technicians while maintaining a strong hands-on presence on the floor.

We value a track record in high-mix, low-volume aerospace prototyping, with solid CNC and inspection knowledge. This role emphasizes safe, precise, and timely delivery in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and prototyping, particularly within aerospace, defense, or similarly complex, precision-driven industries.
• Strong knowledge of CNC and manual machining processes, materials (aluminum, steel, titanium, superalloys), and aerospace tolerances
• Proven ability to lead teams, prioritize work, and deliver high-quality parts on aggressive schedules
• Comfort working directly from engineering drawings, CAD models, and evolving designs
• Familiarity with inspection practices, GD&T, and quality standards relevant to flight and test hardware
• Thoughtful management skills and the ability to lead a growing technical team.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operations of Astro Mechanica’s in-house machine shop, supporting propulsion, airframe, and test hardware development
• Lead, schedule, and develop machinists, CNC programmers and technicians while maintaining a hands‑on presence on the floor
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of machinists, fabricators, and technicians to meet production goals.
• Oversee the setup, operation, and maintenance of CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, and other machining equipment

Skills

Machining leadership

CNC knowledge

GD&T experience

Team building

Engineering drawings interpretation

Tools

CNC milling machines

CNC lathes

Inspection equipment

Job description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

• A hands-on manufacturing leader who knows how to run a high-performance machine shop while staying close to the work

• Comfortable balancing speed, precision, and safety in a rapid prototyping and flight hardware environment

• A mentor and organizer who builds strong teams, clear processes, and a culture of accountability and pride in workmanship

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Own day-to-day operations of Astro Mechanica’s in-house machine shop, supporting propulsion, airframe, and test hardware development

• Lead, schedule, and develop machinists, CNC programmers and technicians while maintaining a hands‑on presence on the floor

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of machinists, fabricators, and technicians to meet production goals.

• Oversee the setup, operation, and maintenance of CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, and other machining equipment

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 5+ years of experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and prototyping, particularly within aerospace, defense, or similarly complex, precision-driven industries.

• Strong knowledge of CNC and manual machining processes, materials (aluminum, steel, titanium, superalloys), and aerospace tolerances

• Proven ability to lead teams, prioritize work, and deliver high-quality parts on aggressive schedules

• Comfort working directly from engineering drawings, CAD models, and evolving designs

• Familiarity with inspection practices, GD&T, and quality standards relevant to flight and test hardware

• Thoughtful management skills and the ability to lead a growing technical team.

• Ambition to work in a fast-paced environment.

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

• Flexible work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.