Staff Mechanical Engineer

Atomic Machines•Santa Clara, CA

14h•$200,000 - $235,000

About The Position

Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era in micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler (MC) technology. The MC enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. The MC promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing both for the many device classes that never could be made by semiconductor methods but also to open up entirely new classes. Furthermore, the MC is fully digital in the way 3D printing is digital, but where 3D printing produces parts of a single material using a single process, the MC is a multi-process, multi-material technology: bits and raw materials go in and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device – one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler – that we will be unveiling to the world soon. Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California. About the role: We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the development of critical subsystems at the foundation of our manufacturing platform. In this role, you will own the architecture, design, and delivery of groundbreaking systems at the intersection of precision manipulation and fabrication process physics for our novel Real-Time Micro-Manufacturing platform, the Matter Compiler™. This is an opportunity to engage early in the product development cycle, leading cross-functional collaboration with experts in mechanical design, electrical engineering, vision systems, robotics controls, and manufacturing engineering. You will operate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, combining deep technical ownership with broad system-level impact while shaping the future of scalable, high-precision automation. The Mechanical Engineering team is at the forefront of designing and developing state-of-the-art hardware solutions through the entire lifecycle of product development – from early conceptualization and process-physics exploration through deployment and iteration in real systems. Our engineers work across a wide range of technical domains, uphold exceptional standards of mechanical rigor, and drive the technical direction that enables the next major step change in manufacturing. When referencing the compensation band below, please note that it may vary based on a candidate’s experience and level. Final leveling will be determined during the interview process. This role is intended for engineers operating at the Staff level, with demonstrated ability to own complex subsystem outcomes, influence technical direction across teams, and mentor others through execution.

Requirements

7–10 years of relevant industry experience designing precision mechanical or robotic systems, including electromechanical motion axes (bearing selection, actuator specification, encoder selection, and precision integration).
Deep expertise in mechanical design fundamentals and engineering principles, with extensive experience using CAD tools for detailed modeling and drafting.
Strong ability to operate with ambiguity and rapidly ascend learning curves with minimal direction, paired with curiosity, initiative, and adaptability in a fast-moving hardware environment.
Receptiveness to feedback from multiple sources, with an experimental mindset that actively incorporates learning from colleagues and hands-on testing.
A team-oriented approach with a focus on collective success, including willingness to take on varied and sometimes less glamorous work to drive progress forward.
A strong maker mentality – hands-on experience in fabrication, machining, and prototyping is highly valued. CAM and CNC proficiency are a plus, but an intuitive understanding of materials and manufacturing processes is essential.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical ideas and document designs and decisions effectively.
Proactive ownership and follow-through – a self-starter who takes initiative and drives work to completion.
Minimum B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience).

Nice To Haves

Experience with high vacuum systems, airlocks and load locks.
Experience with laser and optical systems.
Experience with precision engineering fundamentals.

Responsibilities

Own the architecture, design, development, and qualification of precision pick and place robotics within the Matter Compiler platform, including mechanisms, end effectors, robotic axes, conveyance systems, and interfaces that enable modular, scalable robotic manufacturing.
Lead cross-functional integration across mechanical, electrical, controls, vision, process, and metrology domains to deliver closed-loop, high-precision systems that meet performance, reliability, and scalability requirements.
Define and execute rigorous verification strategies, driving designs through statistically significant testing and validation to ensure precision performance down to the sub-micron level where required.
Establish and model high standards for mechanical engineering rigor through exemplary CAD definition, assemblies, BOMs (bill of materials), detailed drawings, analytical models, and technical documentation that enable clear understanding of system behavior and design intent.
Drive rapid learning loops by engaging directly in build, bring-up, troubleshooting, and iteration using our in-house Lab, Fab, and Machine Shop, while guiding others through disciplined experimentation and evidence-based decision making.
Identify technical risks and tradeoffs early, shape subsystem interfaces and integration strategies, and influence platform-level technical decisions to support long-term evolution of the manufacturing platform.
Mentor engineers across levels through design reviews, hands-on collaboration, and technical guidance, raising the overall quality, velocity, and consistency of mechanical engineering execution.