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
As a Manufacturing/Sub Assembly Technician, you will build the sensor pods and sub-assemblies that go onto our autonomous vehicles. Working from engineering drawings and work instructions, you'll assemble brackets, sensors, and harnessing into finished sensor pods, and make sure every fastener is torqued to spec, and every pod is solid before it moves to vehicle installation. This is an entry-level role: senior technicians and leads will train you on our build process, tools, and quality standards. You'll work in a fast-moving production environment where processes and designs are actively evolving, so precision matters and so does speaking up when something doesn't look right.
What you’ll do
- Assemble sensor pods from components, including mounting and aligning sensors, brackets, and enclosures per engineering drawings and work instructions
- Build and stage sub-assemblies (brackets, mounts, harness segments, and hardware kits) ahead of final pod and vehicle install
- Torque all fasteners to spec using calibrated torque tools, and mark/verify torque (e.g., torque striping) so every pod is secure and vibration-ready
- Route and secure pod wiring with proper connector seating, strain relief, and cable management
- Perform quality checks on finished pods and sub-assemblies (fit, fastener security, connector checks) before handoff to installation
- Follow standard operating procedures and flag gaps, unclear steps, missing or wrong parts, and design issues to leads and engineering
- Log build issues in the issue tracker so engineering can close the loop on part and design problems
- Accurately document completed builds, serial numbers, and checks as required
- Support rework when design updates roll out to existing pods
- Complete on-the-job training and build proficiency across assembly stations
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including tool and part organization
What we’re looking for
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Basic familiarity with hand tools and power tools, and willingness to learn proper torque tool use
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to follow work instructions, diagrams, and assembly documentation
- Some hands-on mechanical or electro-mechanical assembly experience (including vocational training, school programs, or personal projects)
- Experience using torque wrenches/drivers or working to torque specs
- Exposure to wiring, connectors, or low-voltage electrical systems, basic multimeter use
- Strong teamwork skills, communication, and attention to detail–especially on repetitive, precision assembly work
- Eagerness to learn and take feedback in a fast-changing production environment where processes evolve week to week
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in, under, and around vehicles, including kneeling, crouching, reaching into confined spaces, and roof-level work
- Ability to stand and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
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 $32,00 - $42,00 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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