Automation Software Engineering Intern - Fall

Atomic Semi; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Daily meals and snacks

Commuter benefits

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

A semiconductor startup in San Francisco is seeking an Automation Software Engineering Intern for the fall term. This role offers hands-on experience in developing real-time applications for semiconductor fabrication equipment. Ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in a relevant field and have programming skills in Python and C/C++. The position offers a competitive compensation of $110,000 to $132,000 a year and various benefits, including a housing stipend and health insurance.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree or higher in relevant fields.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C, or C++.
• Experience with robotics and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time applications for semiconductor equipment.
• Design algorithms for robotic control systems.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in C or C++

Robotics software experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar field

Tools

Linux

Rust

Job description

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 engineers will 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 Role

We’re hiring an Automation Software Engineering Intern for the fall term. The internship begins in September, with a preferred commitment of 4 to 8 months.

You’ll be working on an integrated engineering team building semiconductor fabrication equipment, so you’ll be exposed to some very interesting engineering problems. Our size allows interns to take on a ton of ownership and mission‑critical work.

We give our interns significant autonomy on interdisciplinary projects. You’ll work on initiatives that scale and accelerate our semiconductor fabrication process and tackle challenging problems that improve our robots’ efficiency. You’re a strong fit if you’re familiar with motor controllers, path planning, and trajectory control.

Our philosophy is to get things built and tested in days or weeks, not months.

Because of this, a portfolio (can be your GitHub) is required to apply: show us the things you’ve actually built! For us, a good portfolio includes evidence of software engineering excellence and curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Develop real‑time applications in Linux and Rust for controlling semiconductor fabrication equipment
• Design algorithms and simulations for robotic control systems

Required Experience

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar field
• Proficiency in Python, C, or C++
• Demonstrated experience in robotics software

Nice‑to‑have

• Familiarity with feedback control systems
• Experience developing computer vision applications
• Proficiency in Rust

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. Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Software interns are paid an hourly rate equivalent to an annualized range of $110,000‑132,000, depending on experience and education level. This range assumes a 40‑hour workweek and includes up to 10 hours of pre‑approved weekly overtime, paid at 1.5× the base hourly rate. Actual earnings will vary depending on internship length and hours worked.

Internship Benefits

• Housing stipend to help with first‑month expenses
• Daily lunches, dinners three times per week, stocked office kitchen with snacks and Spindrifts
• Weekly learning and development opportunities
• Commuter benefits including parking and late‑night Uber rides from the office
• Paid time off inclusive of holidays and sick time
• Visa sponsorship
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life and disability insurance

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.

Compensation range: $110K – $132K