Machine Shop Manager

Astro Mechanica • San Francisco, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.
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

Requirements

• 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.

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

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees