The posting
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 mid-level Engineering Technician to add hands-on build capacity to the Vehicle Integration team. They’ll work under our Senior and Staff technicians, following the build standard they set. This person will build and retrofit development vehicles, install compute and sensor hardware, make prototype harnesses and do first-pass bring-up and debug. A lot of the work is first-of-its-kind with little or no documented procedure. So we need someone who can take loose direction, plan the work, ask good questions and write down what they built, without waiting for step-by-step instructions. A good hire is fully hands-on, owns individual builds from start to sign-off within about 3 months, and is growing toward Senior. The role is onsite in SF and includes some test-site support, possibly in Richmond, with occasional after-hours or weekend coverage.
What you’ll do
- Build, retrofit and prepare development vehicles from a bare platform through installation, functional checks and sign-off, often from incomplete or evolving instructions
- Install and integrate custom compute units, sensors, low-voltage power and vehicle interfaces, following direction from Senior and Staff technicians on routing, mounting, grounding and serviceability
- Build prototype wire harnesses from drawings, and check terminations, pinouts and continuity before install
- Run hardware and software bring-up on new builds: flash firmware, set up compute and check that sensors and data are working
- Diagnose and troubleshoot problems across mechanical, electrical, firmware and software using logs, CAN tools and test equipment, escalating with clear findings when needed
- Keep accurate as-built records and redlines, and help write and improve work instructions and checklists from what you learn on each build
- Get vehicles ready for testing and scheduled service, support field operations when needed, and give engineers feedback on problems and serviceability improvements
- Help keep the SF shop safe, clean and organized, where development and production parts are assembled
What we’re looking for
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in vehicle integration, automotive or EV service, electromechanical assembly, prototype build or fabrication
- Comfort working on first-of-its-kind builds with little or no documentation, and the drive to figure things out from first principles
- Experience building and repairing wire harnesses, including crimping, soldering, connector work and continuity testing
- Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, mechanical drawings and BOMs, and to flag when something doesn’t match reality
- Working knowledge of low-voltage power distribution, fusing, grounding and CAN bus
- Methodical troubleshooting across hardware and software, plus comfort with Linux, the command line and reading logs during bring-up
- Skill with hand and automotive tools, multimeters and soldering irons; oscilloscope and CAN analysis tools are a plus
- Clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and support occasional field testing and after-hours work
- Experience with autonomous vehicles, EVs, motorsport, aerospace or heavy equipment preferred
- Knowledge of scripting (Python or Bash); CAD (SolidWorks) preferred
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 $54.00 - $64.00 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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