Mechanical Test Engineer

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 role

We are looking for a Hardware Test Engineer to be the critical interface between every team at Atomic Semi. You will get to work across every we are building, applying a deeply scientific mindset to characterize tools, intuit potential problems, and diagnose complex failures.

This is a dedicated test and applications role. You'll know you've succeeded when you build and execute test plans that improve the design of our tools in your first month. By month 3, you will be autonomously solving highly complex problems for our positioning tools, and by month 6, your impact will scale across multiple teams and systems. Our philosophy is to get things built/tested in days or weeks, not months. Because of this, a portfolio is generally required to apply: show us the things you’ve built!

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end characterization of tools, defining criteria to measure, running software tests, pushing the limits of our hardware, and logging failure to inform engineering decisions

• Build software testing programs from scratch

• Diagnose complex system errors by sitting down with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to map out problem matrices and track down root causes

• Lead with rigorous and concise written and verbal communication

• Set clear timelines and hold yourself and cross-functional teams accountable for rigorous documentation and testing standards

Required Experience

• 2 years of experience as a test engineer or applications engineer with a demonstrated command of best practices in finding and diagnosing errors

• Ability to write code and create automated testing programs from scratch

• Hands-on capability to build and run electrical tests

• Strong mechanical intuition combined with a highly detail-oriented, scientific mindset

• Clear, fast verbal and written communication skills to effectively interface across multiple engineering disciplines

Nice-to-have

• Prior experience with mechanical design

• PCB design experience

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and offices in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA.

Compensation: Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. 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.