Senior Buyer 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

Support the supply chain team in building the operating system that enables Atoms to scale from early retrofit builds to thousands of human-driven AV data-collection vehicles, and eventually to large-scale driverless L4 fleet deployment.

The core mission is to make sure every retrofit vehicle has the right hardware, in the right place, on time, with clean tracking from supplier PO → lot number → serial number → VIN → installer → calibration result → warranty/RMA history. This traceability model is central to the operating plan.

• Process purchase orders end-to-end — from requisition through PO issuance, confirmation, and closeout
• Manage vendor communication with suppliers of sensors, compute, LiDAR, and other AV hardware/electronics, ensuring clear, timely, and professional correspondence
• Track orders proactively, monitoring lead times, flagging delays early, and escalating risks to delivery schedules
• Coordinate invoicing with finance and suppliers, resolving discrepancies between POs, receipts, and invoices
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready procurement records across systems
• Build and refine PO workflows, templates, and tracking processes as one of the team's first procurement hires
• Support supplier onboarding and help establish vendor management practices for a fast-evolving AV supply base
• Partner closely with engineering, hardware, and finance teams to understand component needs and timelines specific to autonomous vehicle development
• Help select, configure, or improve procurement systems/tools as the team scales

Why this is exciting

This is a high-impact execution role at the center of Atoms’ fleet scale-up. The Supply Chain team will help turn complex AV hardware into a repeatable, trackable, production-ready system. Every improvement in procurement speed, inventory accuracy, kitting discipline, and supplier follow-up directly increases retrofit throughput, vehicle uptime, and data-collection capacity.

What we are looking for

• 2-5 years of hands-on experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer, ideally in hardware, electronics, automotive, robotics, or another technical/AV-adjacent industry
• Strong working knowledge of procurement systems (e.g., ERP/P2P platforms such as SAP, NetSuite, Coupa, Oracle, or similar)
• Proven skill in PO processing at volume and with accuracy
• Excellent order tracking discipline — you don't let things fall through the cracks
• Sharp attention to detail, especially across POs, invoices, and shipment documentation
• Clear, confident vendor communication skills, written and verbal
• Comfort working in a startup environment with evolving processes and shifting priorities
• A self-starter mindset — willing to build process, not just follow it

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 $87,000 - $110,000 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?

#LI-Onsite