Manufacturing Engineer

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 are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role contributes directly to operational excellence as we scale into high-volume manufacturing environments — optimizing processes, improving equipment performance, and supporting the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing equipment.

The ideal candidate is a builder who applies continuous improvement methodologies and can own a well-defined project from concept through implementation into production. As a contributor to our manufacturing operations, you will work with cross-functional teams to help integrate new equipment and processes into the production line while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and safety.

What You'll Do

• Own the performance, reliability, and day-to-day sustaining of assigned manufacturing equipment and stations (manual through semi-automated).
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance activities to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Support manufacturing process development from EVT through DVT and into production ramp on assigned stations/nodes.
• Translate engineering BOMs (eBOM) into manufacturing BOMs (mBOM) for assigned assemblies.
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and quality risks on equipment using data-driven methods; drive improvements in throughput, yield, and cost at the station level.
• Perform root cause and corrective action (RCCA), time studies, and risk assessments to resolve production issues and prevent recurrence.
• Generate and refine manufacturing standards, including SOPs, work instructions, and training materials, ensuring consistency and process discipline.
• Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to validate system performance and establish effective, reliable acceptance testing.
• Support contract manufacturers' builds through final integration and test to consistently deliver conformant hardware to production.
• Apply DFM/DFX principles and provide feedback to design engineering on assigned equipment and assemblies.
• Support equipment deployment, including installation, validation, and commissioning, ensuring production readiness.
• Monitor process and equipment performance, using metrics and data to drive continuous improvement.
• Own project deliverables with minimum guidance, escalating appropriately when scope is ambiguous.
• Travel between Emeryville and Santa Clara sites as needed.

What You'll Need

3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with exposure to automation and equipment design.

Experience supporting or implementing automated systems in a production environment (robotics is a plus).

Experience in semiconductor, solar, Biotech, EV, or similar high-tech industries, with an understanding of their processes.

Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Onshape) for equipment design.

Hands-on experience with manufacturing/production processes, from assembly drawing through to running hardware.

Knowledge of manufacturing processes, such as machining, assembly, welding, or material handling.

Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.

Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (Arena software a plus).

Experience with document control and release processes.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Good communication and collaboration abilities.

Ability to manage a project with minimum guidance and prioritize tasks effectively.

A first-principles mindset — you question assumptions and approach problems with a foundational understanding rather than relying solely on precedent.

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Bonus Points For Knowledge of basic coding: RSLogix, Ignition, Python, or C/C++.

The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.