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 The Role:

Atomic Machines is looking for a Prototype Machinist to join our machine shop in Emeryville, CA. In this role, you will take ownership of precision machined parts from start to finish, including material and tooling selection, CAM programming, fixture and workholding design, CNC setup and operation, in process inspection, and final part verification.

This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced prototype and R&D environment. You will work directly with engineers to turn complex designs into high-quality hardware, provide manufacturability feedback, and help shorten the path from concept to functional part. The right person is comfortable moving quickly, solving ambiguous machining problems, holding tight tolerances, and adjusting priorities as designs evolve. This role supports a 24/7 machine shop operation on a 5-2 schedule, with shift assignments based on business and production needs.

What You’ll Do:

• Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T callouts, work instructions, and inspection requirements.
• Own machined parts from start to finish, including planning, programming, setup, machining, inspection, documentation, and delivery.
• Program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and operate CNC mills and lathes, including 3-axis and 5-axis milling equipment across multiple machines during the shift.
• Develop efficient CAM programs using Fusion 360 or similar platforms such as Mastercam, HyperMill, or FeatureCAM.
• Design setups, fixtures, soft jaws, vacuum fixtures, and other creative workholding solutions for one-off, prototype, and low-volume parts.
• Select tools, create tool lists, order tooling and materials, and prepare jobs for efficient execution.
• Machine precision parts across a range of materials, including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, ceramics, and engineering polymers.
• Inspect parts using CMM data, calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and other metrology tools, then adjust machining processes to produce conforming hardware.
• Collaborate closely with engineering to identify manufacturability risks, improve designs, reduce machining time, and increase part quality.
• Manage multiple jobs based on priority, due dates, material availability, machine capacity, and changing engineering needs.
• Delegate appropriate setup, machining, inspection, and shop support tasks to shop technicians based on priority, skill level, and production needs.
• Document setups, inspection results, lessons learned, and process changes so future builds become faster and more repeatable.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized machine shop and follow all shop policies, safety procedures, and company requirements.
• Train new employees, engineers, and other internal shop users on equipment, setup practices, and safe shop behavior.

What You’ll Need:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience in aerospace, medical device, semiconductor, robotics, automotive, or another high precision industry.
• Strong experience programming, setting up, proving out, and operating CNC mills and lathes, including 3-axis and 5-axis machining.
• Experience with toolpath strategy, tool selection, work offsets, probing, setup verification, and process troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with at least one modern CAM platform. Fusion 360 experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, including feeds and speeds, tool wear, surface finish, workholding, rigidity, and tolerance stackup.
• Ability to read complex prints, interpret GD&T, and hold tight tolerances, including features below 0.001 inch or 25 microns when required.
• Strong inspection and metrology skills, with the ability to verify hardware against engineering specifications.
• Ability to design practical fixtures, soft jaws, and custom tooling for prototype parts with limited direction.
• Experience working in a fast-paced prototype, R&D, or low-volume production environment where priorities and requirements can change quickly.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once, reprioritize quickly, and maintain attention to detail under schedule pressure.
• Clear and proactive communication style, especially when flagging manufacturability risks, schedule risks, quality concerns, or unclear drawing requirements.
• Proficiency with manual shop equipment such as mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, lapping machines, and basic hand tools.
• Experience documenting builds, inspection data, nonconformances, and process notes in an MES, PLM, ERP, or similar system.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, wear required PPE, and follow all company safety requirements.
• Ability to support a 24/7 operation on a 5-2 schedule, including assigned shifts based on business and production needs.
• Ability to work onsite in Emeryville, CA.

The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.

Salary Range$35—$55 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 request an accommodation, contact rc@atomicmachines.com. To help our recruiting team manage application volume and respond to candidates more efficiently, Atomic Machines may use AI-assisted tools.