Lead Machinist

The role

As Lead Machinist, you will run the day-to-day operations of Zoo's machine shop. You will machine precision parts on CNC and manual equipment, and lead shop standards and workflows.

What you will do

• Oversee daily operations of the machine shop, including scheduling, prioritization and equipment readiness
• Lead machining across CNC and manual mills, lathes and other fabrication equipment
• Set up, program and operate machines to make components, fixtures, prototypes and production parts
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T callouts and specifications
• Partner with engineering teams on manufacturability, tolerances, materials and machining strategies
• Develop tooling, fixturing and repeatable shop processes
• Inspect finished parts using precision measurement tools
• Troubleshoot dimensional issues, machine problems and process inefficiencies
• Maintain a safe, clean and organized shop
• Track inventory and coordinate vendors and overflow manufacturing

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of machining experience with significant hands-on CNC experience
• Experience leading or supervising a machine shop, production cell or manufacturing floor
• Strong expertise with CNC mills, lathes, tooling, setups, offsets, feeds and speeds
• Experience programming with CAM software and editing machine code at the controller
• Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret GD&T and tolerances
• Experience working from CAD models and collaborating with mechanical engineers
• Strong inspection and quality control skills with precision measurement tools
• Strong troubleshooting mindset
• High attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Ability to balance prototype urgency with production consistency

Nice to have

• Experience in aerospace, automotive, hardware startup or precision manufacturing
• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, plastics and specialty materials
• Familiarity with modern CAD/CAM workflows and digital manufacturing systems
• Experience with Haas, Okuma, Mazak, DMG Mori or similar equipment
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing, fixtures or hybrid prototyping
• Experience building shop processes in a fast-growing startup

Benefits

• Competitive equity
• Full benefits package, which may vary by geography

Before you apply

• Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer

About the company

Zoo builds cloud-native hardware design tools that combine CAD with AI-powered engineering workflows. It was founded and incubated by Embedded Ventures in 2021.