# Prototype Engineering Lead at Etched

Etched is hiring a Prototype Engineering Lead in San Jose, United States. Level rates it Little AI ●○○○; you can [apply on Etched](https://jobsbylevel.com/go/1b4722cb-37c7-4c33-ab82-61f9a4cd96cc?utm_medium=ai-agent).

AI Level 1, AI centrality 0 out of 100. San Jose.

## Details

- Company: [Etched](https://jobsbylevel.com/companies/etched)
- AI level: AI Level 1 (score 0 out of 100)
- Location: San Jose
- Posted: July 28, 2026
- Apply: https://jobsbylevel.com/go/1b4722cb-37c7-4c33-ab82-61f9a4cd96cc?utm_medium=ai-agent
- Free CV review for this job: https://jobsbylevel.com/cv-review?job=prototype-engineering-lead-at-etched-0817bc

## Prepare for this job

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## Description

About Etched Etched is building hardware for frontier intelligence. We co-design chips, racks, software, and manufacturing to deliver best-in-class throughput and latency across both prefill and decode workloads. Our first products are heavily focused on inference . Backed by hundreds of millions from top-tier investors and staffed by leading engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history. Job Summary We are standing up an in-house prototyping division at our 80,000 square foot Milpitas facility: a quick-turn machine shop and sheet metal cell, a system assembly and integration area, and a prototype SMT line. The outcome you are hired to deliver is simple to state and hard to do: any Etched engineer can get a prototype part made with same-day or next-day turnaround. You own the entire outcome required to make that true — hiring, shop setup, process, and execution. Key Responsibilities Own the end-to-end stand-up of the prototyping division: space planning, equipment selection and procurement, facility improvements, permits, and commissioning of the machine shop, sheet metal cell, assembly area, and prototype SMT line Hire, lead, and develop a team of machinists, fabricators, and assembly technicians. Run day-to-day operations against the division's core metric: same-day or next-day turnaround on prototype parts for engineering Build the systems that make a shop run: work intake and prioritization, quoting, scheduling, traceability, inventory and vendor-managed consumables, and preventive maintenance Own the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy calls, and manage relationships with machine dealers, riggers, and overflow vendors Stand up quality infrastructure: first-article inspection, calibration program, cross-section/failure-analysis lab, and inspection criteria for incoming and in-process work Partner daily with mechanical, electrical, and thermal engineering teams to close design-for-manufacturability feedback loops and pull schedules in. You may be a good fit if you have Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or other engineering discipline; OR 4+ years of professional experience in manufacturing or prototype operations in lieu of a degree 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, machine shop, or hardware prototyping operations 2+ years of experience directly leading technicians, machinists, or manufacturing teams Hands-on experience with CNC machining and/or sheet metal fabrication processes Strong candidates may also have experience with Experience standing up a machine shop, prototype lab, or manufacturing line from an empty floor: equipment selection, rigging, utilities, and permits Working knowledge across the processes we run: 3-axis CNC milling, manual machining, waterjet cutting, CNC press brake forming, welding, and hardware insertion Experience with PCBA/SMT NPI processes (stencil printing, pick and place, reflow, AOI, X-ray, rework) or willingness to build that capability with a strong process engineer Experience with liquid-cooled systems, server/rack-scale hardware, or data center equipment assembly and test Familiarity with California manufacturing compliance: Cal/OSHA, CUPA/HMBP hazmat programs, BAAQMD air permits, wastewater discharge Experience implementing ERP/MES or lightweight traceability systems in a job-shop or NPI environment Ability to personally run a mill, brake, or lathe when the queue demands it Experience in a high-growth startup or program-driven environment (aerospace, automotive, consumer hardware NPI) Track record of hiring and retaining skilled trades talent in a competitive market Benefits Medical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage $500 per month credit for waiving medical benefits Housing subsidy of $2,500 per month for those living within walking distance of the office Relocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row) Various

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