About Atomic Semi
Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.
It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.
We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.
Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.
We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e-beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.
Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.
About the team
The Tool Software team builds the software that runs Atomic Semi’s semiconductor fabrication tools. We work across the stack, from microcontroller firmware and real-time control to Linux applications for calibration, diagnostics, simulation, build/release infrastructure, and over-the-air deployment.
Our software sits close to the hardware and directly affects tool performance, uptime, process repeatability, and fab throughput. We partner closely with electrical, mechanical, process, and fab teams to bring new equipment online and scale it into production.
About the role
We’re hiring embedded software engineers to help build the software systems behind our fab equipment. You’ll develop firmware for real-time control of semiconductor processing tools, working from early system definition through board bring-up, driver development, control logic, state machines, communications interfaces, and production deployment.
This is an end-to-end role for engineers who enjoy debugging across hardware and software boundaries. You’ll collaborate with electronics and mechanical engineers on schematics, system requirements, controls implementation, and tool integration. You’ll also work on Linux-based Rust applications used for equipment control, operator interfaces, diagnostics, and automation.
Responsibilities
Develop microcontroller firmware for semiconductor processing equipment and components
Design and implement real-time Linux applications for equipment control and process automation
Collaborate with mechanical engineers on requirements and controls implementation
Required Experience
BS in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, proof of exceptional skills in related fields with practical software engineering experience, or equivalent
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience (professional or hobbyist) in real-time embedded software development
Experience programming in C for microcontrollers. Python for diagnostic applications
Experience going 0 -> 1 on an embedded system, from defining system requirements, prototyping, and seeing through to production use
Knowledge of microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, I2C, and CAN
Experience working with actuators, sensors and digital signal processing
Nice-to-have
Background in semiconductors, industrial automation, manufacturing, or other hardware-intensive domains
Familiarity with controls for motor drivers, mass flow controllers, temperature controllers, or precision actuators
Experience programming in Rust
Familiarity with embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)
Interest in applied math, linear algebra, numerical methods
Familiarity with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) or similar reliability-focused design practice
Familiarity with full-stack software development for working with adjacent teams
Working at Atomic Semi
We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and lab/offices.
Compensation: Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $105,000 – $145,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.
Benefits: Atomic Semi offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
Visa Sponsorship
Life and Disability Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
401(k) retirement plan
Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts
We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.
Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
Skills Required
- BS in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in real-time embedded software development
- Experience programming in C for microcontrollers
- Experience programming in Python for diagnostic applications
- Experience in going from 0 to 1 on an embedded system
- Knowledge of microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, I2C, and CAN
- Experience working with actuators and sensors
What We Do
Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab. We’ll build the tools ourselves then quickly push them to more advanced geometries. We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen.
