Prototype Engineering Lead - San Jose, United States

Originally posted 28 July 2026 by the employer.

About the role

This role is responsible for establishing and managing an in-house prototyping division, encompassing a quick-turn machine shop, sheet metal cell, system assembly, integration area, and a prototype SMT line at the Milpitas facility.

What you'll do

• Own the end-to-end stand-up of the prototyping division, including space planning, equipment selection, procurement, facility improvements, permits, and commissioning of all areas.
• Hire, lead, and develop a team of machinists, fabricators, and assembly technicians.
• Run day-to-day operations to ensure same-day or next-day turnaround on prototype parts for engineering.
• Build systems for work intake, prioritization, quoting, scheduling, traceability, inventory, vendor-managed consumables, and preventive maintenance.
• Manage the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy decisions, and manage relationships with machine dealers, riggers, and overflow vendors.
• Stand up quality infrastructure, including first-article inspection, a calibration program, a cross-section/failure-analysis lab, and inspection criteria for incoming and in-process work.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or other engineering discipline; OR 4+ years of professional experience in manufacturing or prototype operations.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, machine shop, or hardware prototyping operations.
• 2+ years of experience directly leading technicians, machinists, or manufacturing teams.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining and/or sheet metal fabrication processes.