Job description

Atomic Machines is building the Matter Compiler™, the first in a new class of AI-native, all-digital manufacturing systems that build working machines directly from code. The Matter Compiler™ is aimed at micro-machines: motors and gears the size of a grain of sand, robots small enough to work inside the body, cooling built directly into the chips that run AI, and the many devices like them that have been waiting on a way to build them. Its first product is PrimeSwitch™, an electromechanical power relay the size of a button battery that carries 150 amps continuous current and opens in 50 microseconds, about a thousand times faster than a conventional contactor. Founded by Jeff Holden — serial entrepreneur, ex-Amazon SVP and Uber’s first Chief Product Officer — the company has raised $250 million to date. Atomic Machines is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices in Emeryville and Santa Clara. About the Role We’re hiring a Mechanical Engineer to invent and build precision machinery for our Matter Compiler™ platform. You’ll turn demanding process requirements into automated machines, developing robotics and equipment for laser micromachining, deposition, fluid handling, and bonding. You’ll own designs from early concepts through qualification and deployment, working alongside experienced engineers who will challenge your thinking and help you grow. Our in-house labs, machine shop, and Hybrid Fab give you the tools to build, test, and refine your ideas quickly and see your machines operate. What You’ll Do Conceive, design, build, and qualify precision mechanisms, robotic axes, end effectors, and process hardware that enable new manufacturing capabilities. Work from first principles to solve coupled problems in mechanics, thermal behavior, and process physics, balancing precision, throughput, and reliability. Build and instrument prototypes, test your predictions, and investigate unexpected results. Carry what you learn through design improvements, qualification, and deployment. Work directly with electrical, software, and process engineers to integrate motion, sensing, controls, and mechanical hardware into complete machines. Produce clear CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation that let others build, test, and maintain your designs. What You’ll Need 3+ years designing and building complex mechanical or mechatronic systems. Strong engineering fundamentals and depth in at least one area such as machine design, precision engineering, thermal systems, fluids, or materials. Proficiency in CAD, mechanical drawings, and tolerancing, with practical knowledge of manufacturing processes. Hands-on experience fabricating, assembling, testing, and debugging hardware. Curiosity to explore unfamiliar technical problems, initiative to develop and test ideas, and willingness to seek feedback and follow through. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience. Bonus Points For Experience with high-vacuum equipment, laser or optical systems, precision robotics, or fluid and electrochemical systems. The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits. Salary Range $160,000 — $190,000 USD Atomic Machines is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and does not discriminate based on characteristics protected by applicable law. We are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including for individuals with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact rc@atomicmachines.com . To help our recruiting team manage application volume and respond to candidates more efficiently, Atomic Machines may use AI-assisted tools.

Requirements

Must-haves

Atomic Machines is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices in Emeryville and Santa Clara.
What You’ll Do
Conceive, design, build, and qualify precision mechanisms, robotic axes, end effectors, and process hardware that enable new manufacturing capabilities.
Work from first principles to solve coupled problems in mechanics, thermal behavior, and process physics, balancing precision, throughput, and reliability.
Build and instrument prototypes, test your predictions, and investigate unexpected results. Carry what you learn through design improvements, qualification, and deployment.
Work directly with electrical, software, and process engineers to integrate motion, sensing, controls, and mechanical hardware into complete machines.
Produce clear CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation that let others build, test, and maintain your designs.
What You’ll Need
3+ years designing and building complex mechanical or mechatronic systems.
Strong engineering fundamentals and depth in at least one area such as machine design, precision engineering, thermal systems, fluids, or materials.
Proficiency in CAD, mechanical drawings, and tolerancing, with practical knowledge of manufacturing processes.
Hands-on experience fabricating, assembling, testing, and debugging hardware.
Curiosity to explore unfamiliar technical problems, initiative to develop and test ideas, and willingness to seek feedback and follow through.
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
Experience with high-vacuum equipment, laser or optical systems, precision robotics, or fluid and electrochemical systems.

Nice-to-haves

Bonus Points For

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

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