Shift Lead - Manufacturing Operations 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.

About the role

We're hiring a Shift Lead to own the day-to-day performance of our manufacturing floor and directly manage our team of engineering technicians. You'll run the shift: assigning work, unblocking issues in real time, and making sure builds move through assembly, QC, and shipping on schedule. You'll be the connective tissue between the technician team and mechanical/electrical engineering — translating priorities into a daily plan, flagging risks before they become delays, and coaching technicians as they grow. This is a full-time, in-person, hands-on leadership role: you'll be on the floor, not just managing from a screen.

What you'll do

• Manage and schedule a team of engineering technicians across shifts, balancing workload against production priorities

• Own the daily production plan: sequence work across computer assembly, cable harnesses, PCB assembly, and 3D printing to hit build targets

• Coach, train, and ramp technicians — set expectations, give real-time feedback, and support career growth into senior technician or specialist tracks

• Partner closely with mechanical and electrical engineering to resolve build issues, assembly documentation gaps, and design-for-manufacturing feedback

• Monitor quality across finished product and in-progress builds; escalate systemic issues to engineering before they scale

• Keep the shop space safe, clean, and organized, and enforce safety and quality standards across the shift

• Own shift-level reporting: throughput, quality issues, blockers, and staffing needs

• Step in on the tools when needed — this role stays close to the work, not above it

• Help build out shift processes and documentation as the team scales

What we're looking for

• 3+ years of hands-on hardware assembly or fabrication experience, including 1+ years leading or supervising a team

• Track record of managing people in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing or hardware environment

• Comfortable working with unstructured problems and shifting priorities alongside engineering teams

• Strong communicator — can translate engineering priorities into a clear daily plan for a technician team, and surface issues up to engineering

• Must be able to safely lift up to 50lbs and stand for long periods of time

• Experience with wire harness assembly, PCB assembly, or CAD software (Solidworks or similar) is a plus

• Command line or Linux experience a plus

• Action-oriented, extremely organized, mechanically inclined, high attention to detail

• Genuine interest in developing people, not just managing output

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 starting rate for this role is $45.00 - $55.00 per hour.

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

Benefits Summary:

• 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 (Fetch)
• 401(k)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Time Off policies
• Paid Vacation Time (1h for every 26h worked)
• 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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