Joblaze summary

The Prototype Engineering Lead at Etched is responsible for establishing a new in-house prototyping division, ensuring that prototype parts can be produced with rapid turnaround times. This role requires expertise in manufacturing processes, particularly CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication, along with strong leadership skills to manage a team of technicians and machinists. Ideal candidates will have a background in engineering or extensive experience in prototype operations, particularly in high-growth environments. The position emphasizes collaboration with engineering teams to streamline design and manufacturing processes.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 21, 2026. Last confirmed on Etched's careers page November 6, 2026.
Manufacturing appears in 0.8% of 637 comparable lead other roles in United States; PCBA appears in 0.3% of 637 comparable lead other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Prototype Engineering Lead role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in San Jose.
How much experience is required?: At least 4 years of relevant experience for this Prototype Engineering Lead role.
Where is the role based?: Etched is hiring for this position in San Jose.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: CNC machining, Manufacturing, PCBA, SMT, sheet metal fabrication.
What seniority level is this role?: Etched targets lead candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Prototype Engineering Lead role at Etched.

From the original posting

Job Summary

We are standing up an in-house prototyping division at our 80,000 square foot Milpitas facility: a quick-turn machine shop and sheet metal cell, a system assembly and integration area, and a prototype SMT line. The outcome you are hired to deliver is simple to state and hard to do: any Etched engineer can get a prototype part made with same-day or next-day turnaround. You own the entire outcome required to make that true — hiring, shop setup, process, and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end stand-up of the prototyping division: space planning, equipment selection and procurement, facility improvements, permits, and commissioning of the machine shop, sheet metal cell, assembly area, and prototype SMT line
Hire, lead, and develop a team of machinists, fabricators, and assembly technicians.
Run day-to-day operations against the division's core metric: same-day or next-day turnaround on prototype parts for engineering
Build the systems that make a shop run: work intake and prioritization, quoting, scheduling, traceability, inventory and vendor-managed consumables, and preventive maintenance
Own the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy calls, and manage relationships with machine dealers, riggers, and overflow vendors
Stand up quality infrastructure: first-article inspection, calibration program, cross-section/failure-analysis lab, and inspection criteria for incoming and in-process work
Partner daily with mechanical, electrical, and thermal engineering teams to close design-for-manufacturability feedback loops and pull schedules in.

You may be a good fit if you have

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 in lieu of a degree
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

Strong candidates may also have experience with

Experience standing up a machine shop, prototype lab, or manufacturing line from an empty floor: equipment selection, rigging, utilities, and permits
Working knowledge across the processes we run: 3-axis CNC milling, manual machining, waterjet cutting, CNC press brake forming, welding, and hardware insertion
Experience with PCBA/SMT NPI processes (stencil printing, pick and place, reflow, AOI, X-ray, rework) or willingness to build that capability with a strong process engineer
Experience with liquid-cooled systems, server/rack-scale hardware, or data center equipment assembly and test
Familiarity with California manufacturing compliance: Cal/OSHA, CUPA/HMBP hazmat programs, BAAQMD air permits, wastewater discharge
Experience implementing ERP/MES or lightweight traceability systems in a job-shop or NPI environment
Ability to personally run a mill, brake, or lathe when the queue demands it
Experience in a high-growth startup or program-driven environment (aerospace, automotive, consumer hardware NPI)
Track record of hiring and retaining skilled trades talent in a competitive market

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage
- $500 per month credit for waiving medical benefits
Housing subsidy of $2,500 per month for those living within walking distance of the office
Daily lunch and dinner in our office
Unlimited compute budget subject to ROI justification

Standard company text repeated across Etched's postings is omitted here.

Prototype Engineering Lead

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