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Director of Mechanical Engineering, Hardware Platform

Atomic MachinesSanta Clara, California, United StatesOnsite
Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era in micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler (MC) technology. The MC enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. The MC promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing both for the many device classes that never could be made by semiconductor methods but also to open up entirely new classes. Furthermore, the MC is fully digital in the way 3D printing is digital, but where 3D printing produces parts of a single material using a single process, the MC is a multi-process, multi-material technology: bits and raw materials go in and complete, functional micromachines come out.  The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device – one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler – that we will be unveiling to the world soon. 
Our offices are in Berkeley and Santa Clara, California.

About the role:


We are seeking a well-rounded Director of Mechanical Engineering to manage and lead the exceptional and growing Hardware Platform team at Atomic Machines.  The Atomic Machines Platform (AMP) is a highly modular hardware/software platform upon which the Matter Compiler is built.  The ideal candidate is both deeply technical in precision mechanical engineering and a motivational and dynamic people manager, who is excellent at leading teams from uncertainty to clarity with strong first principles thinking and analysis. 

What you’ll do:


  • Engage with leaders of other engineering disciplines to gather requirements, exchange feedback, and proactively anticipate technical and resource risks.
  • Collaborate with leadership and program management to determine clear project objectives and represent their team in broader program conversations.
  • Manage projects by setting requirements, goals, and timelines, and track team execution and monitor deadlines, resources, and dependencies. 
  • Work with project managers to accurately represent and account for the team’s work. 
  • Deep and extensive technical background in mechanical design for robotics.
  • Drive architectural clarity, design documentation, and design reviews.
  • Refine these processes to build a team culture with high standards, rigorous engineering practices, and a focus on collaboration to achieve the team goals.
  • Guide the design and direction of projects in a manner consistent with the company vision and mission.
  • Engage in mechanical engineering tasks and support as needed with a “do whatever it takes” attitude.
  • Ensure your team delivers quality engineering architecture and design along with fast, reliable, testable production code; advise engineers on system optimization and tradeoffs.
  • Lead by example of strong work ethic; communicate context richly to enable high-quality decision making
  • Assign team members to cross-functional and platform engineering efforts.
  • Hire exceptional engineers to grow the team as needed to support longer-term Atomic Machines strategy.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members in the development of the product as well as for personal career development; manage team member performance.
  • Align team objectives and work with company objectives; ensure the team is working effectively within company processes.

What you’ll need:


  • 10+ years of experience in designing dynamic mechanical precision systems including actuators and motors, with at least 7+ years managing 5+ person teams of senior engineers, ideally with experience managing managers and electro-mechanical technicians.
  • Solid command of engineering fundamentals, design principles, and detailed drawing.
  • Deep understanding of the principles of electromechanical systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of rapid prototyping and scale production manufacturing processes (including machining, sheet metal, injection molding, etc.).
  • Comfortable leading teams through all phases of product development lifecycle including design, implementation, debug, verification & validation, qualification, and transfer to manufacturing.
  • Fast, critical thinker who can productively engage in whiteboard brainstorming sessions, driving clarity and alignment on requirements and approaches, effectively influencing and driving alignment across multiple teams and across disciplines.
  • Autonomy; Ability to make remarkable progress in the face of ambiguity.
  • Good clear communication, both verbally and in written documentation. 
  • High amount of team collaboration - ability to ask the right questions.
  • Creativity and inventiveness.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline, or equivalent work experience.

$200,000 - $260,000 a yearThe compensation for this position includes equity and benefits.Apply for this job

Life at Atomic Machines

Atomic Machines is redefining humanity’s relationship with matter. We see a future where our tools will allow us to reorganize matter at the atomic level at will, where we will go from bits to atoms for any object or machine that can be designed in alignment with physical laws. We have begun our journey with the development of a robotic manufacturing platform capable of making an entirely new class of micro-electromechanical (MEMS) devices. We are well funded and have exceptionally strong product/market fit and a clear go-to-market path for the device we will make first with our platform. Our platform breaks traditional manufacturing paradigms and constraints, enabling inexpensive rapid prototyping as well as large scale manufacturing with highly compelling economics. \n\nJoining forces with us means becoming part of an incredibly talented, inventive and passionate multi-disciplinary team working on a massive world-changing mission. You will have the opportunity to help define the company from its early days. You’ll be challenged to learn and grow as a builder and a leader as the company itself grows rapidly. And you will receive significant equity compensation - you’ll truly be a company owner and benefit financially from our overall success.
Thrive Here & What We Value1. Fastpaced cross-functional team in an early startup2. Collaborative Environment3. Agile Development Processes4. Dynamic Workplace5. Mission to Radically Advance Humanity's Command over Matter6. Innovation and Advancement7. Rapid Creation at Any Scale8. Exceptional LargeScale Product/Market Fit and Commercial Traction9. CrossFunctional Teams10. Passionate multi-disciplinary team
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