Staff Manufacturing Automation 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 an experienced Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence as we scale into high-volume manufacturing environments by optimizing processes, enhancing equipment performance, and spearheading the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge manufacturing equipment.

The ideal candidate will be a builder and bring deep expertise in continuous improvement methodologies and a proven track record of managing complex engineering projects from concept through implementation into production. As a key contributor to our manufacturing operations, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of new equipment and processes into the production line while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety. Your ability to lead initiatives that enhance productivity and reduce costs will be instrumental in achieving our operational goals.

What You'll Do:

• Lead efforts to design, build, and integrate custom and off-the-shelf automation and production systems.
• Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to validate system performance and establish effective, reliable acceptance testing.
• Manage contract manufacturers' builds through final integration and test to consistently deliver conformant hardware to production.
• Own the performance, reliability, and lifecycle of manufacturing equipment (manual through fully automated), driving high uptime and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Lead manufacturing process development from EVT through DVT and into production ramp, ensuring scalable, high-quality builds.
• Translate engineering BOMs (eBOM) into manufacturing BOMs (mBOM) and define efficient, repeatable build processes.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and quality risks using data-driven methods; drive improvements in throughput, yield, and cost.
• Perform root cause and corrective action (RCCA), time studies, and risk assessments to resolve production issues and prevent recurrence.
• Establish and maintain manufacturing standards, including SOPs, work instructions, and training materials, ensuring consistency and process discipline.
• Apply DFX principles to influence product and equipment design for manufacturability, scalability, and quality.
• Lead equipment deployment, including installation, validation, and commissioning, ensuring production readiness.
• Monitor process and equipment performance, using metrics and data to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage manufacturing projects end-to-end, aligning scope, schedule, cost, and quality across cross-functional teams.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, raising the bar for technical execution and manufacturing rigor.
• Travel between Emeryville and Santa Clara sites as needed.

What You'll Need:

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on automation and equipment design.
• Proven experience designing, building, implementing, and sustaining 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 building automation from assembly drawing to manufacturing and production.
• 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.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• A first-principles mindset — you question assumptions, reframe problems from the ground up, and approach challenges with a foundational understanding rather than relying solely on precedent.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

Bonus Points For:

• Knowledge of basic coding: RSLogix, Ignition, Python, or C/C++.