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Fabrication Shop Manager

Sesame· Hardware
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BellevueFull-timePosted 4w ago

About the role

Sesame AI is building integrated hardware + AI products and is opening a fabrication shop and prototype line in Bellevue, WA. We are hiring a Fabrication Shop Manager to build, staff, and run the proto line, develop manufacturing processes, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and industrial design engineering to turn concepts into production-representative builds.

Responsibilities

  • Shop Design & Build: Design a functional & flexible space to meet current & future proto needs; Drive detailed layout equipment selection and procurement, utilities, safety, and IT; Manage build & equipment install and commissioning
  • Manufacturing Process Development: Develop, characterize, and document processes for CNC machining (multi-axis, metal and plastic); Develop jigs, fixtures, and work instructions that make each process repeatable; Use metrology and CT scanning to qualify parts and processes against drawings and GD&T.
  • Shop Operations & Team Leadership: Run the shop: scheduling, job tracking, equipment uptime and maintenance, consumables, inventory, and budget; Hire, manage, and grow CNC engineers and operators, technicians, and shop support staff; Set priorities across concurrent programs and keep turnaround times predictable for engineering; Own shop safety: training, PPE, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and hazardous materials handling; Source, qualify, and manage external CNC, molding, PCBA, and specialty fabrication vendors; apply in-house vs. vendor framework based on critical path, IP sensitivity, and volume.
  • Engineering Partnership & Quality Judgment: Review designs early for manufacturability and flag process risk before it reaches a build; Evaluate builds for fit, finish, and dimensional quality and document results with photos, measurements, and structured feedback; Coordinate with engineering leads to align proto line schedules with program milestones.

Qualifications

  • 12+ years in prototype machine shop, pilot line, or manufacturing engineering roles, with at least 3 years managing a shop or team
  • Hands-on mastery of CNC machining (setup, fixturing, CAM basics) and at least one joining or forming process such as ultrasonic welding, thermoforming, or laser processing
  • Experience standing up or expanding a shop or line: equipment selection, layout, procurement, and commissioning
  • Strong command of mechanical drawings, GD&T, metrology, and common engineering materials (plastics, metals, composites)
  • Proven ability to hire and lead technicians and operators and to manage vendors to schedule and budget
  • Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting designs & data to cross-functional teams
  • Safety-first mindset with experience owning shop safety programs
  • On-site role in Bellevue, WA; daily hands-on presence in the shop

Skills

Required:CNC machiningJoining / forming processes

Benefits

  • 401(k) max employer match: 3.5% of compensation
  • 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for you and your dependents
  • Unlimited PTO and sick time
  • Flexible spending account with employer matching up to $1,650/year (medical FSA)
  • Guardian Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Opportunity to share in the company's success with competitive stock options
Last updated Oct 15, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Sesame

Bringing the computer to life

We believe in a future where computers are lifelike. Where they can see, hear, and collaborate with us – as we do with each other. With this vision, we're designing a new kind of computer.

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