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Automation & Controls Engineer

Company:
Atomic Semi
Location:
San Francisco, CA
Posted:
May 10, 2025
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Description:

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 and Jim Keller. 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 role

As an Automation & Controls Engineer at Atomic Semi, 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 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.

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

2+ years of 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 within the range 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 Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time

Visa Sponsorship

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) retirement plan

Weekly Learning & Development opportunities

Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office

Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

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