Systems Engineer - Mechanical Systems

Atomic Machines Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Atomic Machines is hiring a Senior Systems Engineer, Mechanical to architect, design, and validate precision electromechanical systems for next‑generation manufacturing platforms. You will work across robotics, motion, structures, thermal systems, and precision mechanisms to ensure hardware performs reliably.

This on-site role combines leadership with hands-on execution: define system architecture, perform prototype development and testing, mentor engineers, and collaborate with mechanical,

Qualifications

• First-principles engineering mindset.
• Extensive experience designing precision electromechanical systems.
• Proven ability to lead prototype development and testing.
• Strong experience in FMEA, trade studies and root cause analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and hardware/software interfaces.
• Experience with sensors, actuators, and thermal/structural analysis.

Responsibilities

• Understand platform architecture and mechanical subsystems.
• Own mechanical system architecture across subsystems.
• Design mechanical subsystems as needed.
• Translate product requirements into robust designs.
• Lead interfaces between mechanical, electrical, controls, and software teams.
• Develop tolerance, structural, and thermal analyses.
• Characterize machines using sensors and measurement systems.
• Conduct FMEA, trade studies, and root-cause investigations.
• Mentor engineers and improve mechanical rigor.

Skills

Electromechanical systems

Prototype development

FMEA

System modeling

CAD proficiency

Sensors & actuators

Interfacing hardware/software

Tolerance analysis

Thermal analysis

Root cause analysis

Kinematics & dynamics

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Onshape

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

Job description

Atomic Machines is building the Matter Compiler™, the first in a new class of AI-native, all-digital manufacturing systems that build working machines directly from code. The Matter Compiler™ is aimed at micro-machines: motors and gears the size of a grain of sand, robots small enough to work inside the body, cooling built directly into the chips that run AI, and the many devices like them that have been waiting on a way to build them. Its first product is PrimeSwitch™, an electromechanical power relay the size of a button battery that carries 150 amps continuous current and opens in 50 microseconds, about a thousand times faster than a conventional contactor. Founded by Jeff Holden — serial entrepreneur, ex-Amazon SVP and Uber’s first Chief Product Officer — the company has raised $250 million to date.

Atomic Machines is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices in Emeryville and Santa Clara.

About this Role

As a Senior Systems Engineer, Mechanical at Atomic Machines, you will lead the architecture, design, integration, and validation of precision mechanical systems that enable next-generation manufacturing platforms. You will work across robotics, motion systems, structures, thermal systems, and precision mechanisms to ensure hardware performs reliably as part of tightly integrated electromechanical products.

This role combines systems engineering leadership with hands-on engineering execution. You will define system architecture while also executing mechanical design, prototype development, integration, and testing activities to validate system performance.

What You’ll Do

• Develop a deep understanding of Atomic Machines' platform architecture and mechanical subsystems.
• Own mechanical system architecture across multiple interacting subsystems.
• Design mechanical subsystems as needed.
• Translate ambiguous product requirements into robust mechanical system designs.
• Lead interface definition between mechanical, electrical, controls, and software teams.
• Develop tolerance analyses, structural analyses, thermal analyses, and performance budgets.
• Drive machine characterization using instrumentation including load cells, strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, laser measurement systems, encoders, and other key mechatronic sensors.
• Drive FMEA, trade studies, root cause investigations, and design improvements.
• Develop system models and analyses that guide engineering decisions.
• Mentor engineers while raising the overall rigor of mechanical systems engineering.

What You’ll Need

• 3-6+ years developing complex electromechanical systems.
• First-principles engineering mindset.
• Deep experience designing precision mechanical systems, ideally in precision robotics or advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Strong understanding of kinematics, dynamics, machine design, tolerancing, thermal behavior, and structural analysis.
• Experience executing prototype development and experimental testing.
• Familiarity with sensors, actuators, controls, and hardware/software interfaces.
• Experience with FMEA, trade studies, root cause analysis, and system modeling.
• CAD proficiency (Onshape SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or equivalent).
• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, 3-6+ years of experience.

The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.

Salary Range

$170,000 - $220,000 USD

Atomic Machines is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and does not discriminate based on characteristics protected by applicable law. We are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including for individuals with disabilities. To help our recruiting team manage application volume and respond to candidates more efficiently, Atomic Machines may use AI-assisted tools.

This position is 100 % onsite in our office, Monday - Friday.