Prototype Shop Manager
- Pay
- $120,000 – $180,000 per year
- Location
- Torrance, CA · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Lead / Staff
- Experience
- 8+ years
- Listed
- 30 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- CNC machining
- CAM programming (Mastercam, NX CAM, SolidCAM)
- fixture and workholding design
- metrology and inspection planning
Also useful
- composite machining
- additive manufacturing (SLA/FDM)
- GD&T
What you will be doing
As the Prototype Shop Manager for Neros, you will own the day-to-day operation and long-term development of our prototype fabrication capabilities. You will work closely with engineers to deliver high-quality prototype parts on aggressive timelines, with a strong emphasis on CNC machining, 3D printing, and precision prototype assembly/finish. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment: you will run the queue, build parts, keep the shop safe and organized, and expand capability over time through smart tooling/equipment decisions and expanding your team as demand grows.
Responsibilities
- Own daily shop execution: job intake, prioritization, scheduling, and delivery of prototype parts for engineering
- Machine and fabricate prototype parts; CNC (metals & composite materials) and 3D printing, including post-processing and basic assembly/finish
- Partner with engineers on DFM: optimize designs for manufacturability, lead time, cost, and repeatability
- Build and enforce a safety-first shop culture (PPE, dust/fume control for composite machining, machine guarding, training)
- Own shop readiness: tooling and consumables, calibration, and preventative maintenance scheduling
- Develop the equipment/tooling roadmap: select, justify, commission, and maintain machines, work holding, cutters, and inspection equipment
- Hire, train, and mentor technicians as the shop grows; define roles, training plans, and performance expectations
You should have the following
- 8+ years in a prototype, R&D, or high-mix fabrication environment (aerospace, robotics, motorsports, consumer hardware, job shop, etc.)
- Strong hands-on capability in manual and CNC machining (setup, workholding, tool selection, feeds/speeds) and comfort machining both metals and composite materials
- CAM experience (Mastercam, NX CAM, CATIA CAM, SolidCAM, etc.) and fixture/workholding design experience
- Experience running or owning a shop queue: prioritization, estimating, and communicating timelines/tradeoffs with engineering teams
- Practical metrology experience (calipers/mics/indicators, datum thinking, basic inspection planning)
- Experience with procurement, vendor management, and make-vs-buy decisions
- Strong safety discipline (including composite dust control and shop best practices)
Nice to Have
- Experience with CNC routers for composites, dust collection systems, and composite-specific tooling/workflows
- Additive manufacturing depth (SLA/FDM tuning, material selection, consistent post-processing)
- Metal fabrication experience including weldments and sheet metal work
- Advanced metrology, deeper GD&T, or functional gage design
- Experience commissioning equipment (layout, utilities, acceptance testing, training plans)
- Experience scaling a shop: hiring, training programs, inventory systems, or light ERP/MES tools
US Salary Range
$120,000 - $180,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.
Who we are
Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.
As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
From Neros Technologies's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
How Rolev.ai helps with this application
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Prototype Shop Manager role at Neros Technologies?
The Prototype Shop Manager posting at Neros Technologies states compensation of $120,000 – $180,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Neros Technologies's official career site.
Where is the Prototype Shop Manager job at Neros Technologies located?
This Prototype Shop Manager position at Neros Technologies is located in Torrance, CA (On-site). Always check Neros Technologies's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Prototype Shop Manager at Neros Technologies?
For the Prototype Shop Manager role, Neros Technologies highlights 8+ years of relevant experience; experience with CNC machining, CAM programming (Mastercam, NX CAM, SolidCAM), fixture and workholding design, metrology and inspection planning. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Prototype Shop Manager position at Neros Technologies?
This listing links directly to Neros Technologies's Greenhouse application page. You can apply directly on Neros Technologies's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Greenhouse application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.