Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineering

About the job
Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology platform. This platform enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by providing manufacturing processes and a materials library that are inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It unlocks MEMS manufacturing not only for device classes that could never be produced by semiconductor methods, but also for entirely new categories. Furthermore, this digital platform is fully programmable in the way 3D printing is digital—but whereas 3D printing produces parts of a single material using a single process, the Matter Compiler™ technology platform is a multi-process, multi-material system: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device—made possible only through the Matter Compiler™ technology platform—that we will be unveiling to the world soon.

Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.

About The Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to shape the foundation of our manufacturing platform. In this role, you will build groundbreaking systems, from the cutting edge of precision manipulation to the limit of fabrication process physics, for our novel Real-Time Micro-Manufacturing platform, the Matter Compiler™.

This is an opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams early in the product development cycle, collaborating with experts in mechanical design, electrical engineering, vision systems, robotics controls, and manufacturing engineering. You will be part of a fast-paced, hands-on environment, gaining deep multidisciplinary experience while directly influencing the future of scalable, high-precision automation.

The Mechanical Engineering team is at the forefront of designing and developing state-of-the-art hardware solutions through the entire lifecycle of product development – from conceptualization, harnessing process physics – to deployment, ensuring our innovative designs meet practical, real-world needs. Our engineers, guided by seasoned leadership, are deeply involved in all aspects of product development across a multitude of technical domains, through cross-functional collaboration, continuous refinement of our engineering processes, and upholding high standards in mechanical design to usher forward the next major step change in manufacturing.

If you're excited about pushing the boundaries of robotics and eager to have a high-impact role in an early-stage startup, we’d love to hear from you!

What You’ll Do:

Design, develop, and qualify complex systems automating process technologies such as physical vapor deposition, vacuum material handling, laser micromachining, electrochemical, fluid handling and dispense, bonding and joining, precision pick and place robotics, conveyance systems, mechanisms, end effectors, robotic axes, and systems that fit into a modular robotic manufacturing platform.
Work with a cross-functional team of highly experienced mechanical, software, electrical, process and materials engineers; managing projects, risks, and shaping our technology development path to develop control algorithms, machine vision approaches, and closed-loop inspection and metrology functionalities.
Be a pillar for engineering excellence with concise documentation in CAD models, BOMs (bill of materials), detailed drawings, and technical design documentation, analytical models, guided by strong engineering decision making to enable a detailed understanding of machine performance.
Drive your work through rapid learning loops leveraging our in-house Lab, Fab, and Machine Shop.
Work with experts from other teams to ensure systems are performant while being efficient, operable, and reliable; challenging assumptions and building strong professional relationships.

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.
• 3+ years of experience designing complex multi-physics precision mechanical systems.
• Expertise in mechanical design principles, engineering fundamentals, and significant experience with CAD tools for detailed drafting and modeling.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more disciplines and the ability to learn across the following engineering disciplines: precision engineering, machine design, mechanisms, thermal, vacuum, fluids, optics, electromagnetics, sensors, and materials.
• Self-guided learning with the ability to rapidly ascend learning curves with minimal direction. While the Mechanical Engineering team includes highly experienced engineers, success in this role requires curiosity, initiative, and adaptability.
• Receptiveness to feedback – the ideal candidate actively seeks feedback, both from colleagues and hands-on experimentation.
• Team-oriented mindset with a focus on collective success. Willingness to take on varied tasks, including less glamorous but necessary work to drive the team forward.
• A maker mentality with strong hands-on background in fabrication, machining, and prototyping with an intuitive understanding of material behavior and manufacturing processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey complex technical ideas and document designs effectively.
• Proactive and self-driven – a self-starter who takes initiative and follows through to completion.
• Minimum B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience).

~ Experience with high vacuum systems, laser and optical systems, and precision robotic systems.