Mechanical Engineer - San Francisco, CA at Atoms in San Francisco, CA

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.

What you’ll do

You will be responsible for owning designs through prototype and assembly as well as installing systems onto vehicles as large as 100+ ton haul trucks, while developing documentation to scale installations. All aspects of the role will be very hands-on and will involve fieldwork.

• Apply mechanical engineering principles for the development and integration of drive-by-wire hardware including actuators and sensors
• Travel to customer sites for development and initial installation of hardware systems (up to 30%)
• Develop bespoke solutions to customer specific problems
• Refine current hardware kits for efficient scaling
• Develop vehicle hardware kits for new platforms
• Develop 2D and 3D CAD models of mechanical and electro-mechanical components and assemblies
• Create and maintain documentation of design solutions including reports, engineering drawings, Bills of Material, and installation instructions
• Develop testing and validation procedures for electromechanical systems
• Build prototypes using various rapid prototyping technologies (e.g. 3D print, laser cut)
• Source components and manage vendors
• Work on system level design with a cross-functional team to develop mechanical and electro-mechanical solutions

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• 2-5 years work experience
• Automotive or heavy equipment industry experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with robotic systems is strongly preferred
• Experience/ expertise with 3D CAD tools
• Hands on experience building mechanical and/or electrical systems; machine shop and/or fabrication experience preferred
• Experience designing for CNC machine, sheet metal fab, and 3D print
• Experience with hydraulic systems is a plus
• Ability to resolve issues during design, development and execution of mechanical engineering activities
• Ability to work with limited/general direction and must be able to communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance is a plus (OSHA, CE, CCC, ASME related standards)
• Be excited about working in person in our downtown San Francisco office.

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 $110,000-180,000 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 and an annual performance-based bonus.

Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans, incl. HSA options).
• Company-paid life and disability insurance (short- and long-term).
• Voluntary insurance: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity.
• Optional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children.
• Pet insurance discount.
• 401(k).
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Time Off policies:
  • Discretionary vacation days
  • 8 paid holidays per year
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid Bereavement leave
  • Paid Parental Leave

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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