
Senior Systems Engineer, Mechanical at Atomic Machines (Emeryville OR Santa Clara, CA)
Atomic Machines· Emeryville OR Santa Clara, CA· $170k–$220k·
Role details
Job description
Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology. This full-stack technology 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. It promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing for the many device classes frustrated by semiconductor methods and to open up entirely new product classes. The Matter Compiler™ technology fully realizes the digital manufacturing dream: 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™ technology – that we will be unveiling to the world soon.
Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.
About this Role
As a Senior Systems Engineer, Mechanical at Atomic Machines, you will lead the architecture, design, integration, and validation of precision mechanical systems that enable next-generation manufacturing platforms. You will work across robotics, motion systems, structures, thermal systems, and precision mechanisms to ensure hardware performs reliably as part of tightly integrated electromechanical products.
This role combines systems engineering leadership with hands-on engineering execution. You will define system architecture while also executing mechanical design, prototype development, integration, and testing activities to validate system performance.
What You'll Do
- Develop a deep understanding of Atomic Machines' platform architecture and mechanical subsystems.
- Own mechanical system architecture across multiple interacting subsystems.
- Design mechanical subsystems as needed.
- Translate ambiguous product requirements into robust mechanical system designs.
- Lead interface definition between mechanical, electrical, controls, and software teams.
- Develop tolerance analyses, structural analyses, thermal analyses, and performance budgets.
- Drive machine characterization using instrumentation including load cells, strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, laser measurement systems, encoders, and other key mechatronic sensors.
- Drive FMEA, trade studies, root cause investigations, and design improvements.
- Develop system models and analyses that guide engineering decisions.
- Mentor engineers while raising the overall rigor of mechanical systems engineering.
What You'll Need
- 3-6+ years developing complex electromechanical systems.
- First-principles engineering mindset.
- Deep experience designing precision mechanical systems, ideally in precision robotics or advanced manufacturing equipment.
- Strong understanding of kinematics, dynamics, machine design, tolerancing, thermal behavior, and structural analysis.
- Experience executing prototype development and experimental testing.
- Familiarity with sensors, actuators, controls, and hardware/software interfaces.
- Experience with FMEA, trade studies, root cause analysis, and system modeling.
- CAD proficiency (Onshape SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or equivalent).
- BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, 3-6+ years of experience.
The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.
Salary Range $170,000—$220,000 USD
Why work at Atomic Machines
- Mission-Driven Work: A rare opportunity to work on a "world-changing mission" to democratize the power to make physical things — from bits to atoms atomicmachines.com
- Apolitical Maker Culture: The company explicitly states it is building "an apolitical maker culture of continuous invention, operational excellence and idea meritocracy" with information transparency atomicmachines.com
- Significant Equity: Employees receive significant equity compensation and are treated as true company owners who benefit financially from overall success builtin.com
- Multi-Disciplinary Environment: Work alongside incredibly talented engineers, scientists, and builders across robotics, MEMS, software, AI, and manufacturing atomicmachines.com
- Work Policy: In-Office — employees work from physical offices in Emeryville, Santa Clara, or Berkeley, CA builtin.com greenhouse.io
- Growth Opportunity: Join as an early-stage company (founded 2019, still stealth) with strong funding and clear product/market fit — opportunity to help define the company from its early days builtin.com