Manufacturing Engineer - CNC & Sheet Metal Lead

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 Atomic Semi production team manufactures chip fabs. From deposition and etching tools to lithography and metrology, we are building every tool ourselves. We fabricate the metal parts, operate SMT lines to build PCBAs, and assemble the tools in-house.

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer is the technical owner of how various tools get integrated and built. Cycle times, fixturing, programming, and process maturity all flow from this seat. The difference between hitting production goals in our first quarter is largely the work this role owns.

Responsibilities

• CNC programming on 5-axis Haas UMC-500SS / UMC-750SS and DS-30Y mill-turn lathes. Goal: drop chassis-mix mill cycle from ~45 min/part to ~20 min/part over the first 12 months.
• Trumpf TruLaser 1030 + TruBend 5085 SX programming via TruTops Boost. Nest optimization, bend sequencing, ACB Laser calibration.
• Fixturing strategy: vises, soft jaws, pallet-pool tombstones, brake tooling library.
• Tool selection, tool-life tracking, and coolant/chip handling specs.
• Process documentation that holds up under operator turnover.

Required Experience

• 5+ years CNC machining / sheet-metal manufacturing engineering
• Hands-on Haas 5-axis programming (Mastercam, Fusion 360, or HSMWorks)
• Trumpf or comparable fiber-laser + press-brake experience
• Comfort owning a process from blank stock to inspected part

Nice-to-have

• Experience scaling a startup factory from first cube to production rate
• TruTops Boost specifically
• SEMI-grade or aerospace tolerance work
• Lights-out / pallet-pool experience

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.

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.