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Prototype Operations Manager

Lucid Motors
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 11 Jan 2026

About the role

Leading the future in luxury electric and mobility At Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.   We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design – where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.   Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, we’re providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.

Lucid Motors is seeking a highly motivated Prototype Operations Manager with advanced multi-axis CNC machining skills to help mature our small machine shop in the Phoenix Arizona hub into a world-class prototyping shop.
The ideal candidate is extremely hands-on, with solid experience in prototype 5+ axis CNC and manual machining.
The Prototype Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the smooth operation and maintenance of all multi-axis CNC and manual equipment in the prototype machine shop to prototype parts in materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, ABS, acetal, polycarbonate, etc. Working on one-off parts will be common with most part quantities being under 25 pieces.

The successful candidate must have at least 10 years of hands-on experience programming, setting up, and running multi-axis CNC machines in a fast-paced prototyping or job shop environment. Knowledge of how to machine a wide variety of parts and the ability to perform his/her own set up and inspection is also required. The ideal candidate takes pride in his/her craftsmanship and has a reputation to match. He/she must enjoy working in a demanding, diverse, and fast paced environment where creativity, responsiveness, meticulous craftsmanship, and personal initiative are required to get the job done. We are seeking a unique individual who possesses not only superior skills, but diligence, determination, and the flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of the team as it is developed.


Your Role:

Oversee the set up and operation of machine tools with a high degree of proficiency.
Order work material, tools, and consumable material in a cost-effective and efficient manner
Work from solid models, technical drawings, engineering sketches, and other such documentation to produce a variety of prototype and production parts
Choose the most efficient methods of manufacture, understanding the time and equipment required, and interacting with technicians, designers, and engineers to suggest design improvements for manufacturability/machinability
Ensure machine tools are well maintained and safe to use.
Oversee and mentor direct reports in the machine shop and ensure the quality of their output is excellent.
Develop and maintain supportive, professional relationships with technicians, designers, and engineers


Expectations:

Advanced skills with HyperMILL, Tebis, WorkNC or other CAM software, and CNC machine programming, setup, and operation
Ability to machine parts to specification of .1mm to .002mm tolerances working from CAD files, mechanical drawings, and sketches
Ability to read, understand, and create technical mechanical drawings, including orthographic projections, sectional views, part notes, dimensions, and tolerances
Conversational knowledge of G-Code and various machine syntax differences
Advanced skills in workpiece fixturing
Expertise calculating/estimating machine cycle times, determining cost effective operation sequences, machinability, and feasibility
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ANSI Y14.5M) knowledge
Comprehensive understanding of milling, turning, single-point threading, knurling, broaching, grinding, cutting, etc. and detailed functional knowledge of most common machine shop tools and machines
Strong organization skills with meticulous attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines
10+ years’ experience as a CNC machinist
Completion of four-year certified Journeyman Apprenticeship Program, AA or BA in engineering or manufacturing related field is a plus


Advantageous:

Familiarity with Siemens & Heidenhain controls
Familiarity with DMG & Zimmermann multi-axis machine centers
Deep familiarity with the setup of multi-axis CNC milling machines and lathes, including advanced HSM & HEM mill

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Company

Lucid Motors

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