CNC Prototyping Manager

Sunnyvale Until 9/22/2026 3+ years exp First posted July 24, 2026 Last posted July 24, 2026
Job description

Do you possess a keen eye for detail, a passion for excellence, and a strong desire to contribute to extraordinary outcomes? If so, you will thrive on a diverse team that shares these values. At Apple’s PRL (Product Realization Lab), we combine technical expertise and creativity to deliver remarkable results that quickly translate into exceptional products and customer experiences. We invite you to bring your curiosity, craftsmanship, and dedication to our team. At the PRL, we take pride in building high-quality models, prototypes, and manufacturing solutions that support the development of future Apple products. We have a world-class team and a state-of-the-art machine shop worthy of this challenge. In this role, you will manage a team of highly skilled CNC machinists, partnering with external engineering teams and internal fabrications specialists to deliver a wide range of prototypes for Apple’s Hardware Engineers. Your combination of technical credibility and people leadership will be critical to push the boundaries of what is possible in machining, and to influence the development of products used by millions.

Description

As a Prototyping Manager, you will lead day-to-day operations and engage in longer-horizon planning for your team as part of our broader organization, the ADL (Advanced Development Lab). You will manage a team of CNC-focused Makers; oversee and drive improvements to your cell’s workload, processes, and equipment; and work closely with engineering requestors to develop complex and ever-changing prototypes of many different shapes and materials. You will help your team develop their careers, foster a culture of creative problem-solving, and build collaborative relationships that allow engineers to think of the lab as a partner in their development.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years leading a fabrication, prototyping, or manufacturing team is required
Excellent communication skills, ability to clearly articulate complex ideas in written reports and verbal presentations
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with cross-functional stakeholders
Should have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-focused work environment and demonstrate a passion for dynamic challenges

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Operations, Engineering, or a related field
Demonstrated hands-on experience with prototype CNC programming and machining, and ability to learn, absorb, and master new fabrication techniques
Familiarity with Laser prototyping capabilities, Wire EDM, and additive manufacturing methods is beneficial
Experience evaluating and incubating emerging fabrication technologies to innovate on lab capabilities

About this role

Summary

Lead CNC machining team, oversee prototypes, improve processes, collaborate with engineering teams.

Job title

CNC Prototyping Manager

Experience level

3+ years

Minimum experience

3+ years exp

Industry

technology

Location requirements

Sunnyvale; remote work not specified

Salary

Not specified

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

leadershipcommunicationCNC programmingmanufacturing

Preferred skills

laser prototypingwire EDMadditive manufacturingfabrication technologies

Specializations

CNC programmingprototypingmanufacturinglaser prototypingadditive manufacturing
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Work arrangement unknown City