Mechanical Engineer

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 Team

The mechanical and electro-mechanical teams at Atomic Semi design, prototype, and build our own fabrication equipment while developing novel processes. We've assembled a specialized team skilled in machine design, physics, and chemistry to achieve this mission.

About the role

As a Mechanical Engineer at Atomic Semi, you'll design, iterate on, and build specialized equipment for semiconductor fabrication.

We're looking for hands-on engineers across various disciplines to design, iterate on, and build complex systems. Whether tackling heavy design challenges, integrating mechanical, optical, and electronic components, or automating production and manufacturing processes, our philosophy is to get things built and tested in days or weeks—not months—with a focus on viable solutions that meet real production needs.

We're hiring for a range of experience levels across several specialized teams:

• The Positioning Team focuses on systems-level engineering, designing, prototyping, and building semiconductor fab equipment and subsystems related to lithography, motion, and metrology.

• The Vacuum Team is responsible for designing, prototyping, validating, and scaling core semiconductor fabrication equipment. Tool families include Anneal, Deposition, Etch, and Supporting Infrastructure, with goals for each ranging from fundamental design to automation readiness to manufacturing scale-up.

• The Packaging Team is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and overseeing the fabrication processes for semiconductor packaging devices. This position emphasizes designing, iterating on, and building specialized equipment for the manufacturing flow, such as laser ablation machines, reflow ovens, and automated metal plating facilities.

• The Automation Team develops robotic automation systems to rapidly produce semiconductor packaging devices.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on machines and subsystems for semiconductor packaging fabrication

• Create mechanical designs including frames, components, and assemblies

• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and optical components in system assembly, including wiring, optics alignment, and electronics

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to continuously improve fabrication processes and equipment

• Source components and materials while working with vendors to meet project specifications

Required Experience

• 2-10+ years of professional experience in mechanical and electromechanical system design

• 1-10+ years of hands-on experience building, prototyping, and assembling complex systems

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Physics

Nice-to-have

• Master's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience

• Home workshop/lab experience demonstrating passion for hands-on engineering

• Experience building laser machines with comprehensive knowledge of laser system components

• Experience working in both R&D and production environments with hardware

• System integration expertise across mechanical, electrical, and software domains

• Experience with opto-mechanical system design

• Circuit design capabilities for custom control systems and instrumentation

• Basic coding skills for equipment control

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 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.