Machine Shop Manager

Job Description:

We are looking for a manager and machine shop builder to help us turn Senseeker Machining Company (SMC) into a top-notch machining organization (). SMC is a new company built from the acquisition of Axis Machine by Senseeker, a designer and manufacturer of infrared image sensing equipment. Axis Machine has a proud history of small parts machining across a wide range of customers.

SMC continues to support Axis customers with existing parts manufacturing while expanding its capabilities in support of higher‑level projects and in support of its sister Senseeker company. In the near term, we will be growing the team and implementing shop ERP software. In the next few years, we will build higher level capabilities through the acquisition of more advanced equipment, implementation of an ISO quality system, and expansion of the team into more specialized areas.

This salaried role will help define where we go. If you want to roll up your sleeves and use your machining knowledge, organization, and people skills to help us build a fantastic organization, then this job is for you. This role is a blend of hands‑on shop leadership, machining, business administration, and strategic modernization and will report directly to Senseeker’s CEO.

Associates degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred, in Manufacturing, Industrial or Mechanical Engineering. Greater experience and demonstrated acumen compensates for less formal education.

10+ years of machining and manufacturing experience.

• Work with the Master Machinist to provide direction to the SMC team
• Plan resources and execute production schedules for each project
• Be a “working manager,” assisting with job setup, machining and CAD/CAM programming as needed
• Help CEO oversee shared services on behalf of SMC (HR, buyer, packing/shipping, finance, contracts)
• Plan staffing with the CEO and Master Machinist, then recruit and train team members as we grow
• Interface with customers and Senseeker sister company engineers for new jobs and projects
• Keep the shop in compliance with California and federal regulations
• Actively solicit feedback from SMC customers and develop associated improvement projects
• Lead the implementation of a machine shop ERP system (likely Jobscope, but you can help decide)
• Prepare SMC for higher levels of quality to improve customers’ supply chains and expand SMC business

• Superior people skills – Senseeker managers are expected to build our companies and teams for people, understanding how to utilize each employee in line with what they are best at accomplishing
• Extensive experience in machine shops with a strong background in shop leadership and administration
• A deep understanding of CNC machining, CAD/CAM programming, tooling, and high‑precision work
• Able to leave your ego out of your business interactions – must always be a professional

Full‑time in Santa Barbara, CA, USA

$100k - $150k per year

Paid time off, 401k with company match, Health/Dental/Vision, HSA contributions.

Submit your resume at  or email it to

Senseeker Machining Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applications for employment without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.