Materials R&D Engineer (Coatings)

Atomic Machines; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Emeryville is seeking a process engineer to support the development of micromanufacturing processes. This full-time position requires hands-on experience with thin-film deposition techniques and a solid understanding of materials science. Responsibilities include developing and optimizing processes for manufacturing novel microsystems. Ideal candidates will have relevant engineering degrees and at least 2 years of experience in the industry.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of work experience in process engineering.
• Familiarity with magnetron sputtering and vacuum systems is preferred.
• Experience with broader microfabrication techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine thin-film processes.
• Execute experiments for processing-structure-property relationships.
• Operate advanced vacuum processes including plasma etching and co-sputtering.
• Apply characterization techniques to evaluate materials.

Skills

Hands-on lab experience with thin-film processing equipment

Ability to execute design of experiments (DOE)

Experience with materials characterization techniques

Working knowledge of vacuum systems and vacuum technology

Experience working in multidisciplinary teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields

Tools

CAD software for 2D layouts

Thin-film processing equipment

Job description

Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology platform. This platform enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by providing manufacturing processes and a materials library that are inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It unlocks MEMS manufacturing not only for device classes that could never be produced by semiconductor methods, but also for entirely new categories. Furthermore, this digital platform is fully programmable in the way 3D printing is digital—but whereas 3D printing produces parts of a single material using a single process, the Matter Compiler™ technology platform is a multi‑process, multi‑material system: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device—made possible only through the Matter Compiler™ technology platform—that we will be unveiling to the world soon.

Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.

About The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven process engineer to support the development and integration of materials into market‑defining commercial devices. In this role you will leverage your hands‑on experience with thin‑film deposition, etching, and other vacuum processing techniques using both commercial and custom, purpose‑built tools. You will also apply your first‑principles understanding of materials science and process‑structure‑property relationships to engineer multilayer thin‑film coatings for high‑performance microsystems. You will champion rigorous materials characterization practices and the adoption of new metrology techniques, all toward closed‑loop learning and process monitoring. The ideal candidate has familiarity with magnetron sputtering and vacuum systems and is eager to learn and deepen their skill set in these areas. You will contribute to developing multi‑step, thin‑film processes, refining and optimizing, and then training technicians to run those processes. You will play a critical role in translating processes from the prototyping fab to our digital, autonomous manufacturing platform at scale. This position is full‑time and is located in our Emeryville location, reporting to the Director of Process Engineering.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, implement, and refine thin‑film processes to prototype and manufacture novel microsystems and their packaging.
• Execute experiments to map processing‑structure‑property relationships for thin‑film material systems with a focus on metals and ceramics.
• Operate a range of advanced vacuum processes, including but not limited to plasma etching, co‑sputtering, reactive sputtering, evaporation, and rapid thermal annealing.
• Apply advanced bulk and surface characterization techniques to evaluate materials and monitor process outputs (e.g., SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRF, AFM, profilometry).
• Perform material property tests to evaluate the mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and thermal performance of thin films and interfaces.
• Analyze, summarize, document, and report out developed procedures, experimental data, and key findings.
• Participate in process development and automation activities to inform system requirements for custom‑built manufacturing tools.
• Communicate and work cross‑functionally to integrate newly developed processes into high‑mix, high‑volume fabrication workflows.

What You’ll Need

• Disciplines of study preferred: Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
• Experience developing and optimizing thin‑film material processes for commercial applications.
• Hands‑on lab experience operating thin‑film processing equipment, especially plasma sputtering and plasma etching.
• Ability to set up and execute a design of experiments (DOE) to identify key factors influencing thin‑film characteristics.
• Working knowledge of vacuum systems and vacuum technology.
• Experience using materials characterization techniques, such as SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRF, XPS, XRD, TEM.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, including technicians and operators.
• Experience with broader microfabrication techniques is preferred (e.g., laser micromachining, electrochemical, lithography).
• Experience with CAD software for 2D layouts is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree, 2+ years of work experience.