Software Engineer, Rust

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 https://www.youtube.com/@SamZeloof and Jim Keller https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Keller_(engineer). 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.