Fabrication Shop Manager

About the role

Sesame is building integrated hardware‑AI products and is opening a new fabrication shop in Bellevue, WA. The Fabrication Shop Manager will create, staff and run the prototype line, turning engineering concepts into production‑representative builds that guide design and DFM decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Design and build a flexible shop layout, select equipment, manage utilities, safety and IT, and oversee installation and commissioning.
• Develop, characterize and document CNC machining processes for multi‑axis metal and plastic parts, and create jigs, fixtures and work instructions for repeatable production.
• Run daily shop operations – scheduling, job tracking, equipment maintenance, consumables, inventory and budget control.
• Hire, lead and grow CNC engineers, operators and support staff while ensuring safety training, PPE, machine guarding and hazardous‑material handling.
• Partner with engineering to review designs for manufacturability, evaluate builds for fit‑and‑finish, and align prototype schedules with program milestones.

Required profile

• 12+ years in prototype machine shops, pilot lines or manufacturing engineering, with at least 3 years managing a shop or team.
• Hands‑on mastery of CNC machining (setup, fixturing, CAM basics) and experience with a joining or forming process such as ultrasonic welding, thermoforming or laser processing.
• Proven experience standing up or expanding a shop – equipment selection, layout, procurement and commissioning.
• Strong command of mechanical drawings, GD&T, metrology and common engineering materials (plastics, metals, composites).
• Demonstrated ability to hire, lead technicians and operators, manage vendors and maintain safety‑first programs.

Required skills

• CNC machining (multi‑axis metal and plastic)
• CAM software – Mastercam, Hypermill
• Fixture design – Fusion 360, SolidWorks
• Metrology and CT scanning – optical metrology tools (Lumafield, OGP)
• GD&T and mechanical drawing interpretation
• Ultrasonic welding, thermoforming, laser processing
• Injection‑molded plastics and cast‑machined metal parts

What we offer

• 401(k) with up to 3.5% employer match
• 100% employer‑paid health, vision and dental coverage for employee and dependents
• Unlimited PTO and sick time
• Flexible spending account with employer matching up to $1,650/year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Competitive stock options