Staff Backend Engineer

Who we are

Atoms is building the machines that power the next era of progress.

Over the last decade, software has transformed the digital world. But the physical world, where food is made, minerals are mined, goods are moved, and industries are run, remains far less intelligent, far less efficient, and far more constrained. We're changing that.

Atoms builds Physical AI - real-world robots for the industries that move civilization forward, starting with food, mining, and transport. Our systems are designed to understand, predict, and control the real world with precision, turning complex physical operations into something more reliable, more scalable, and more productive.

This work requires more than robotics. It requires deep integration across hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate. We don't just build machines in a lab. We deploy them into real environments, operate them, learn from them, and improve them until they work at scale.

We are roboticists, engineers, operators, and builders. We believe the next great technology companies will not only transform information, but the physical systems that shape everyday life.

If you want to work on hard problems with real-world impact, join us.

What you'll do

We're seeking a Staff Backend Engineer to join our founding team who will design and scale the cloud systems that power our real-world operations - keeping our fleet, dispatch, and deployment platforms reliable, secure, and fast as we grow.

• Architect and implement scalable backend systems and APIs that power our fleet operations, dispatch, and deployment platforms.
• Build and maintain high-performance, secure cloud services that keep mission-critical systems reliable around the clock.
• Develop robust APIs, developer tools, and frameworks that let other teams build and ship faster.
• Engineer backend services behind operator- and customer-facing applications, delivering seamless end-to-end experiences.
• Partner with product, design, and engineering to take systems from concept to production.
• Drive code reviews, testing, and documentation, and mentor engineers as you grow into technical leadership.

What we're looking for

• 8+ years building backend systems, with proficiency in Java, Go, or a similar language.
• Strong command of relational and/or NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis).
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Deep understanding of RESTful APIs, microservices, and distributed systems.
• Excellent debugging and problem-solving instincts under production pressure.
• Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD, DevOps, and large-scale or event-driven architectures are highly preferred.
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading team projects is a plus.

Why join us

At Atoms, you'll work on one of the defining challenges of our time - bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what's known and building what doesn't yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it's grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team - so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow.

What else you need to know

This role is based in our San Francisco office. Atoms is a company driven by invention and continuous change - we are constantly reimagining our industries, building new products, and refining how we operate. We do our best work together. That's why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.

The base salary range for this role is $224,000 - $284,000 per year .

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards.

Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
• 401(k)
• Equity
• Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan
• Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.

Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?

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