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
You will build production Rust software for semiconductor fabrication equipment: the systems that help turn precise software instructions into real physical processes.
Your work will integrate with microcontroller-based systems to sequence and control fabrication processes. You will also build the software capabilities behind a modern, software-defined fab, including calibration, diagnostics, telemetry, and tool operation.
This is a hands-on systems role for someone who wants their Rust code running close to the hardware, controlling complex equipment, and directly shaping how chips get made.
Responsibilities
Design and implement real-time Linux applications for equipment control and process automation
Design and implement finite state machines for tool operation
Develop data acquisition, telemetry, and metrology software, including computer vision and image processing
Implement gRPC services and Protocol Buffer APIs
Build graphical interfaces for operations, diagnostics, and data visualization
Own major features end-to-end alongside hardware and process engineering partners
Required Experience
BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Strong proficiency in Rust for systems-level Linux applications
Hands-on Python experience in data analysis, computer vision, diagnostics, or scientific computing
Track record shipping Linux application software such as daemons, services, IPC, and real-time or near-real-time systems
Solid operating systems fundamentals, including memory management, performance, and concurrency
Familiarity with gRPC and protobuf, or comparable RPC and serialization frameworks
Experience working across different projects, technical domains, and engineering disciplines
Nice-to-have
Background in semiconductors, industrial automation, manufacturing, or other hardware-intensive domains
Familiarity with embedded Linux (Yocto or Buildroot)
Experience with application performance profiling and optimization across CPU, memory, and latency
Interest in applied math, linear algebra, numerical methods, or scientific computing
Familiarity with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), or similar reliability-focused design practices
Familiarity with microcontroller firmware
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.
Compensation: Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $105,000 – $170,000. 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
- Strong proficiency in Rust for systems-level Linux applications
- Hands-on Python experience in data analysis, computer vision, diagnostics, or scientific computing
- Track record shipping Linux application software such as daemons, services, IPC, and real-time or near-real-time systems
- Solid operating systems fundamentals, including memory management, performance, and concurrency
- Familiarity with gRPC and protobuf, or comparable RPC and serialization frameworks
- Experience working across different projects, technical domains, and engineering disciplines
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.
