Machine Shop Manager

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.

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.

• 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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

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.