Mechanical Engineer, Automation
Atomic SemiSan Francisco Office$117k – $180kPosted 1 April 2026
Tech Stack
Job Description
Mechanical Engineer, Automation
About Atomic Semi
Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.
It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.
We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.
Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.
We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e-beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.
Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof https://www.youtube.com/@SamZeloof and Jim Keller https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Keller_(engineer). Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.
About the team
The Automation engineering team is responsible for robotic automation to rapidly produce semiconductor packaging devices. We design, prototype, build our own fabrication equipment, and develop novel processes. We have assembled a specialized team skilled in electrical, mechanical, physics, and chemistry to achieve this.
About the role
As a Mechanical Engineer on the Automation team, you'll generate and prototype robotics components and systems from scratch. Projects will range from precision, small motion and manipulation, integration of automation into existing machines, complete system development and bring-up.
The ideal candidate moves through design cycles fast and can own the end to end process. Our philosophy is to get things built/tested in days or weeks, not months. Because of this, a portfolio is generally required to apply: show us the things you’ve actually built!
Responsibilities
- Design and iterate on machines and subsystems for automating fabrication
- Create mechanical designs including structures, actuation components, and complete system assemblies
- Integrate microcontrollers, sensors, actuators in system assembly, including:
- Wiring precision measurement and alignment
- Firmware validation and generation
- Control system design and deployment
- Heavily collaborate with cross-functional teams to continuously improve autonomous systems
- Source components and materials while working with vendors to meet project specifications
Required Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Physics
- 3+ years of industry experience in mechanical and electromechanical system design
- Experience with automation or integration, including system design, electrical work, and programming
- Experience with microcontrollers and/or industrial PLCs
Nice-to-have
- Master’s degree and 5+ years of relevant engineering experience
- Experience using custom solutions for computer vision (CV) and/or video pipelines
- Experience working with embedded systems, low-level control and communication protocols
- Experience with system integration across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
- Home workshop/lab experience, demonstrated passion for hands-on engineering
Working at Atomic Semi
We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and a lab/office in San Francisco, CA.
Compensation: Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $117,000 – $180,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.
Benefits: Atomic Semi offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Generous ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
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