Staff Robotics Controls Software Engineer

Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era in micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler (MC) technology. The MC enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. The MC promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing both for the many device classes that never could be made by semiconductor methods but also to open up entirely new classes. Furthermore, the MC is fully digital in the way 3D printing is digital, but where 3D printing produces parts of a single material using a single process, the MC is a multi-process, multi-material technology: bits and raw materials go in and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device – one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler – that we will be unveiling to the world soon.

Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.

About This Role:

We are seeking an experienced Staff Robotics Controls Software Engineer to develop and lead motion control systems at Atomic Machines. The ideal applicant is an expert in control theory, well-versed in robotics, applied physics, electro-mechanical systems, and possesses strong computer science fundamentals, in particular programming in a real-time environment. Atomic Machines is on a rapid growth trajectory, and we have developed and are continuing to flesh out the foundational architecture for our automated manufacturing platform which uses robotics as a key building block. This role has the opportunity to shape the software architecture for control systems and grow in both leadership and technical depth.

This role is physically based Monday-Friday in our Santa Clara or Emeryville office.

What You'll Do:

• Join the Robotics and Controls function within the Platform Engineering team and guide the architecture of the HW and SW systems for a new manufacturing platform.
• Lead the design and implementation of motor control systems for Atomic Machines' advanced manufacturing platform, focusing on precision motion control for micron-scale manufacturing processes.
• Develop and optimize control algorithms for custom motion controllers, ensuring compatibility with BLDC and stepper motors across various manufacturing applications.
• Design controller architectures from the ground up, including system modeling, transfer function analysis, and comprehensive gain tuning for optimal performance and stability.
• Build automated motor bring-up tools and software interfaces that enable non-software engineers to bring up new motors, including automated system identification, gain tuning, and performance validation.
• Develop user-friendly calibration and diagnostic tools that streamline the motor integration process and reduce time-to-deployment for new manufacturing systems.
• Implement real-time control software in embedded environments, with emphasis on deterministic behavior and low-latency response for precision manufacturing requirements.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to specify motor and drive requirements, conduct system identification, and validate control performance through testing and analysis.
• Support the development of the Matter Compiler's motion systems, ensuring seamless integration of multiple motor control subsystems within the broader manufacturing platform.
• Establish control system standards, documentation, and best practices for scalable motor control implementations.

What You'll Need:

• A first-principles mindset — you question assumptions, reframe problems from the ground up, and approach challenges with a foundational understanding rather than relying solely on precedent.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing motor control systems, with demonstrated expertise in BLDC and stepper motor control.
• MS or PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, or related field with focus on controls/motor systems, or equivalent work experience.
• Deep knowledge of classical and modern control theory, including PID tuning, feedforward control, observer design, and system identification techniques.
• Proven experience with motor control hardware and their associated software interfaces.
• Strong background in control system modeling, including transfer functions, state-space representation, and frequency domain analysis.
• Experience developing automated system identification algorithms and auto-tuning methodologies for motor control systems
• Proven track record of building user-friendly engineering tools and interfaces for non-software users, with focus on motor bring-up and diagnostics.
• Proficiency in real-time embedded programming (C/C++) for motor control applications, with understanding of deterministic systems and timing constraints.
• Experience with motor control development tools, oscilloscopes, and test equipment for controller validation and debugging.
• Solid understanding of power electronics, motor physics (permanent magnet synchronous, stepper), and sensor feedback systems (encoders, resolvers, Hall sensors).
• Experience with motion planning and trajectory generation for precision positioning applications
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on complex technical challenges.

$210,000 - $250,000 a year