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 role
We’re hiring full-stack mechanical and hardware engineering interns. The internship begins between now and the end of April, with the option for preferably a 4 to 8-month commitment. We’re rebuilding the chip fabrication process from the ground up, so you’ll be exposed to some really interesting and impactful work. Our engineering projects are highly interdisciplinary and span domains such as structures, optics, robotics, heat transfer, physics, and chemistry. As a startup, we offer interns a ton of ownership and mission-critical work.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience working in at least one of these areas and broad exposure across other domains. Our philosophy is to get things built and tested in days or weeks, not months. Because of this, a portfolio is required to apply: show us the things you’ve actually built! If you’ve shipped a medium-to-high complexity system through a personal project or previous internship, you’d be a good fit here.
Responsibilities
Designing, prototyping, and building semiconductor fabrication equipment
Writing mechanical drawings and documentation
Circuit design and electrical engineering
Performing detailed analysis and simulations to evaluate electromechanical designs
Working with vendors to source components and materials
Required Experience
Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in engineering
Ability to learn quickly and troubleshoot technical problems
Hands-on prototyping experience and the ability to move through design cycles quickly
Hands-on experience with electromechanical assembly design and analysis from coursework, internships, or personal projects
Strong foundation in mechanical engineering (Solidworks/Onshape, simulation, materials selection, etc.)
Nice-to-have
Familiarity with semiconductor processing— ALD, CVD, PVD, photolithography, etc.
Strong foundation in electrical engineering (KiCad/Altium, microcontrollers, embedded systems, digital circuits, etc.)
Working at Atomic Semi
We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and a lab/office in San Francisco, CA. Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Hardware Interns are paid an hourly rate equivalent to an annualized range of $105,000-126,000, depending on experience and education level. This range assumes a 40-hour workweek and includes up to 10 hours of pre-approved weekly overtime, paid at 1.5x the base hourly rate. Actual earnings will vary depending on internship length and hours worked.
Internship Benefits:
Housing Stipend to help with first month expenses
Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts
Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
Visa Sponsorship
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Life and Disability Insurance
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.
Top Skills
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.
