Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology. This full-stack technology enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing for the many device classes frustrated by semiconductor methods and to open up entirely new product classes. The Matter Compiler™ technology fully realizes the digital manufacturing dream: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device – one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler™ technology – that we will be unveiling to the world soon.
This role will begin on the day shift (8:30am – 5:00pm) to support initial ramp-up and training. Within the first three months, it will transition to a permanent night shift, operating from 11:00pm to 7:30am.
As a Prototype Machinist, you will be responsible for making parts from start to finish in our machine shop in Emeryville. This includes ordering tooling and materials, process development, CAM programming, fixture design, manufacturing the parts on the machines, and metrology / inspection.. You will also provide feedback on designs to make manufacturing faster, easier, and more repeatable. You will think quickly, produce quality work, and anticipate concerns before they become blockers. Additionally, you will collaborate with a small team of machinists in charge of keeping the shop clean, safe, and organized, enforcing shop policies, and training staff.
What You’ll Do:- Interpret 3D models and engineering drawings to plan setups, program CAM, design fixturing, and run inspection workflows.
- Operate a variety of CNC machines (3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis mills; live-tool lathes; waterjets; and laser cutters) while maintaining tolerances down to ±0.0005 in (±13 µm).
- Develop innovative work-holding and tooling solutions for prototyping
- Generate efficient CAM programs, manage tool libraries, and maintain CAM templates.
- Perform in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMM.
- Optimize feeds and speeds and drive continuous improvements in shop processes.
- Collaborate with engineers and machinists to provide design-for-manufacturing feedback on machined and welded parts/assemblies.
- Support fabrication of tooling, fixturing, and other structures for R&D hardware.
- Document setups, offsets, inspection results, and lessons learned to strengthen tribal knowledge.
- Uphold safety protocols, PPE usage, and compliance with company standards.
- Contribute to shop cleanliness, organization, and equipment readiness.
- Proactively manage assigned projects to deliver parts on schedule.
- A first-principles mindset — You question assumptions, break problems down to fundamentals, and prefer root-cause solutions over pattern-matching.
- 3+ years of CNC machining experience in a high-mix, low-volume environment, with exposure to 5-axis or mill-turn systems.
- Welding certification with strong knowledge of codes, symbols, and techniques.
- Expertise in at least one CAM platform (e.g., Fusion 360, Mastercam, HyperMill), with flexibility to adapt to others.
- Strong GD&T literacy and ability to interpret complex drawings, consistently holding tolerances of <0.001 in / 25 µm.
- Proficiency in metrology tools and inspection methods (CMM experience preferred).
- Experience machining and welding a range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
- Skilled in manual machining equipment such as mills, lathes, drill presses, and saws.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to document, share workflows, and provide constructive feedback.
- Ability to lift heavy items (up to 50 lbs) as needed.
Top Skills
What We Do
Atomic Machines is redefining humanity’s relationship with matter. We see a future where our tools will allow us to reorganize matter at the atomic level at will, where we will go from bits to atoms for any object or machine that can be designed in alignment with physical laws. We have begun our journey with the development of a robotic manufacturing platform capable of making an entirely new class of micro-electromechanical (MEMS) devices. We are well funded and have exceptionally strong product/market fit and a clear go-to-market path for the device we will make first with our platform. Our platform breaks traditional manufacturing paradigms and constraints, enabling inexpensive rapid prototyping as well as large scale manufacturing with highly compelling economics.
Joining forces with us means becoming part of an incredibly talented, inventive and passionate multi-disciplinary team working on a massive world-changing mission. You will have the opportunity to help define the company from its early days. You’ll be challenged to learn and grow as a builder and a leader as the company itself grows rapidly. And you will receive significant equity compensation - you’ll truly be a company owner and benefit financially from our overall success.
