Mechanical Engineer, Automation

Visa Hunt; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid Time Off

Visa Sponsorship

Life and Disability Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Weekly Learning & Development

Commuter Benefits

Daily lunches and meals

Job summary

fab2, an early-stage hardware startup with labs in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA, seeks a Mechanical Engineer for the Automation team. You will generate and prototype robotics components and systems from scratch, owning end-to-end development from design to bring-up.

The role emphasizes fast iteration with built/tested results, portfolio evidence, and collaboration across electrical, mechanical, and software domains. A competitive compensation package is provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Physics.
• 3+ years of industry experience in mechanical and electromechanical system design.
• Experience with automation or integration, including system design, electrical work, and programming.
• Experience with microcontrollers and/or industrial PLCs.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on machines and subsystems for automating fabrication.
• Create mechanical designs including structures, actuation components, and complete system assemblies.
• Integrate microcontrollers, sensors, actuators in system assembly, including: Wiring precision measurement and alignment; Firmware validation and generation; Control system design and deployment.
• Heavily collaborate with cross-functional teams to continuously improve autonomous systems.
• Source components and materials while working with vendors to meet project specifications.

Skills

Design

Mechatronics

Microcontrollers

Industrial PLCs

Electrical work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Physics

Tools

Industrial PLCs

Microcontrollers

Job description

About fab2

The fab2 team can build anything. We design all the hardware and software needed to make chips and we make the fabs, tools, and components ourselves.

We're looking for exceptional, hands‑on people who can iterate to the limits of what's possible.

fab2 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 team

The Automation engineering team is responsible for robotic automation to rapidly produce semiconductor packaging devices. We design, prototype, build our own fabrication equipment, and develop novel processes. We have assembled a specialized team skilled in electrical, mechanical, physics, and chemistry to achieve this.

About the role

As a Mechanical Engineer on the Automation team, you'll generate and prototype robotics components and systems from scratch. Projects will range from precision, small motion and manipulation, integration of automation into existing machines, complete system development and bring-up.

The ideal candidate moves through design cycles fast and can own the end to end process. 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 actually built!

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on machines and subsystems for automating fabrication
• Create mechanical designs including structures, actuation components, and complete system assemblies
• Integrate microcontrollers, sensors, actuators in system assembly, including:
  • Wiring precision measurement and alignment
  • Firmware validation and generation
  • Control system design and deployment
• Heavily collaborate with cross-functional teams to continuously improve autonomous systems
• Source components and materials while working with vendors to meet project specifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Physics
• 3+ years of industry experience in mechanical and electromechanical system design
• Experience with automation or integration, including system design, electrical work, and programming
• Experience with microcontrollers and/or industrial PLCs

Nice-to-have

• Master’s degree and 5+ years of relevant engineering experience
• Experience using custom solutions for computer vision (CV) and/or video pipelines
• Experience working with embedded systems, low‑level control and communication protocols
• Experience with system integration across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
• Home workshop/lab experience, demonstrated passion for hands‑on engineering

Working at fab2

We’re an early‑stage hardware startup with solid funding, world‑class advisors, and a lab/office in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA.

Compensation

fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $117,000 – $180,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2.

Benefits

• 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.

fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi