Leads the design, integration, deployment, and lifecycle management of automated manufacturing equipment and production systems. Develops scalable processes, improves throughput and yield, manages equipment reliability and maintenance, oversees contract manufacturer builds, and drives root-cause corrective actions. Establishes manufacturing standards, supports equipment commissioning, manages projects across sites, and mentors engineers while ensuring quality, safety, cost, and production readiness.
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.
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++.
The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.
Salary Range
$190,000—$235,000 USD
Atomic Machines is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and does not discriminate based on characteristics protected by applicable law. We are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including for individuals with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact [email protected]. To help our recruiting team manage application volume and respond to candidates more efficiently, Atomic Machines may use AI-assisted tools.
Atomic Machines Berkeley, California, USA Office
950 Gilman Street , Suite 800, , Berkeley, CA, United States, 94710
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics
Defines and optimizes manufacturing processes, assembly sequences, tooling, and production equipment for advanced robotic systems. Leads manufacturing readiness, process validation, equipment commissioning, production ramp-up, defect investigation, and corrective actions. Collaborates with design, supply chain, operations, integrators, and suppliers to improve quality, yield, cycle time, cost, and safety. Requires extensive hardware manufacturing experience, strong mechanical and electrical integration expertise, CAD and GD&T knowledge, and data-driven process improvement skills.
Top Skills:
2D Cad3D CadGeometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing (Gd&T)Statistical Process Control (Spc)Torque Tools
Hardware • Healthtech • Robotics • Manufacturing
Lead productization of robotic subsystems from engineering builds through clinical production. Develop and qualify manufacturing processes, fixtures, tooling, documentation, line layouts, and process controls for complex electro-mechanical surgical robots. Drive DFM/DFA, risk management, validation, root-cause investigations, supplier decisions, traceability, and cross-functional issue resolution while mentoring engineers and technicians.
Top Skills:
21 Cfr 820CadCpkDoeGage R&RIso 13485MatlabPfmeaPythonSolidworks
Aerospace • Automotive • Transportation
Leads manufacturing engineering for aircraft power electronics and electric propulsion, including new product introduction, process development, equipment readiness, design-for-manufacturing reviews, continuous improvement, validation, and production scale-up. Partners with design, quality, test, and equipment teams to improve safety, quality, throughput, ergonomics, and end-of-line testing. Develops manufacturing procedures and supports welding, soldering, adhesive dispensing, power electronics assembly, and volume production.
Top Skills:
14 Cfr Part 21Asme Y14.5AutomationDfaDfmElectric Motor AssemblyGd&TIso 13485Iso 9001Laser WeldingLean ManufacturingPcba ManufacturingPower ElectronicsSelective SolderingSpcTs16949
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
