Job Description

Who we are

Atoms is building the machines that power the next era of progress.

Over the last decade, software has transformed the digital world. But the physical world, where food is made, minerals are mined, goods are moved, and industries are run, remains far less intelligent, far less efficient, and far more constrained. We’re changing that.

Atoms builds Physical AI— real-world robots for the industries that move civilization forward, starting with food, mining, and transport. Our systems are designed to understand, predict, and control the real world with precision, turning complex physical operations into something more reliable, more scalable, and more productive.

This work requires more than robotics. It requires deep integration across hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate. We don’t just build machines in a lab. We deploy them into real environments, operate them, learn from them, and improve them until they work at scale.

We are roboticists, engineers, operators, and builders. We believe the next great technology companies will not only transform information, but the physical systems that shape everyday life.

If you want to work on hard problems with real-world impact, join us.

About the role

We are hiring a Senior Engineering Technician to own the build, retrofit, and readiness of our development vehicles. This is not a standard vehicle technician role; you will take a vehicle from bare platform through installation, functional check, and sign-off, often before a documented procedure exists. You must be capable of working independently to debug complex, cross-disciplinary failures across mechanical, electrical, and firmware layers when documentation is sparse. You will work closely with our engineering teams, translating frontline issues into actionable feedback. This is a full-time, in-person opportunity in our SF HQ for builders who thrive in unstructured, fast-paced environments.

What you’ll do

• Take vehicle builds from bare platforms through installation, functional check, and sign-off Integrate custom compute units and complex sensor stacks.
• Make routing, mounting, grounding, and serviceability decisions.
• Build prototype cable harnesses, and verify terminations, pinout, and continuity.
• Lead vehicle retrofits and maintain as-built records Independently execute complex hardware-software bring-up and debug sessions
• Triage and resolve frontline engineering issues, identifying root causes for intermittent electrical or firmware faults.
• Write work instructions and checklists for junior technicians Coordinate scheduled service and vehicle preparation for test Train junior technicians and review their work.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to drive design-for-serviceability improvements.
• Help maintain our shop space, where assembly of production parts happens, keeping the space clean and organized.

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in vehicle integration, automotive or EV service, electromechanical assembly, or fabrication.
• Proven ability to work independently and troubleshoot from first principles in unstructured engineering environments.
• Experience debugging cross-disciplinary systems (mechanical, electrical, and software) at a systems-integration level.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, mechanical drawings, and BOMs, and to flag a discrepancy rather than build around it.
• Working knowledge of vehicle electrical systems, including low-voltage power distribution, fusing, grounding, connectors, and CAN bus.
• Proficiency with hand, shop, and automotive tools, and with a multimeter, oscilloscope, and soldering iron.
• Experience writing procedures or documentation that others work from.
• Ability to handle many simultaneous projects and tasks.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50lbs and stand for long periods of time.
• Experience with autonomous vehicles, EV, motorsport, aerospace, or heavy equipment is a plus.
• High-voltage safety training for EV work is a plus Experience with CAN tooling, vehicle bus analysis.
• Command line or Linux experience is a plus Experience with Solidworks or other CAD software is a plus.

Why join us

At Atoms, you’ll work on one of the defining challenges of our time—bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what’s known and building what doesn’t yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it’s grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team—so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow.

What else you need to know

This role is based in our San Francisco office. Atoms is a company driven by invention and continuous change - we are constantly reimagining our industries, building new products, and refining how we operate. We do our best work together. That’s why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.

The base salary range for this role is $150,000-$180,000 per year.

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards.

Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
• 401(k)
• Equity
• Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan
• Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.

Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?

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