Mechanical Engineer, Automation

atomicsemi· Engineering
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📍 Austin📍 San Francisco OfficeFullTime💰 USD 117K–160K/yr

About this role

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 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 Austin, TX and 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Mechanical Engineer, Automation role at atomicsemi?
The listed salary for this Mechanical Engineer, Automation position at atomicsemi is USD 117K–160K/yr. This is an FullTime role.
Where is the Mechanical Engineer, Automation position at atomicsemi located?
This Mechanical Engineer, Automation role at atomicsemi is based in Austin, San Francisco Office. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Mechanical Engineer, Automation role at atomicsemi full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a FullTime position. It is posted as a Mechanical Engineer, Automation role in the Engineering department at atomicsemi.
Which team or department does the Mechanical Engineer, Automation at atomicsemi belong to?
This Mechanical Engineer, Automation position is part of the Engineering department at atomicsemi. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Mechanical Engineer, Automation position at atomicsemi?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to atomicsemi's official application portal hosted on ashby where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Mechanical Engineer, Automation job at atomicsemi posted?
This Mechanical Engineer, Automation position at atomicsemi was posted on Jan 23, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Mechanical Engineer, Automation
atomicsemi · 💰 USD 117K–160K/yr
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