Laser Process Engineer

Role details

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

We are seeking a technical leader to shape the future of our laser-based manufacturing processes, from development to scaled production. This role bridges advanced micromachining, materials physics, and optical systems, operating at the nexus of hardware, software, device design, and process. In this capacity, you will lead laser process development and optimization efforts to deliver rapid and precise operations, including cutting, milling, selective ablation, and welding using a suite of in-house-built pulsed-laser machines. You will champion innovative metrology methods to analyze laser–material interactions, including in situ probes, feeding AI-enabled learning and process optimization.

Additionally, this role involves solving complex tool path optimization problems leveraging both commercial and custom CAD and CAM software packages. The ideal candidate is capable of carrying a laser processing technology through its entire life cycle—from first principles to experimentation and prototyping, and finally translating it to our digital, autonomous manufacturing platform at scale.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development, optimization, and scaling of pulsed-laser manufacturing processes, including cutting, milling, selective ablation, and welding.
• Design, implement, and analyze experiments to understand laser–material interactions across metals, ceramics, and polymers, and document and standardize processes to ensure reproducibility and support scale-up.
• Develop and refine tool paths and machine programs using CAD/CAM software and G-code to maximize precision and efficiency.
• Apply advanced metrology and materials characterization techniques to evaluate process outcomes and guide improvements.
• Work with laser system design engineers to translate process learnings into system usability, performance, and feature development.
• Partner with Design, AI, Hardware/Software, and Manufacturing teams while mentoring engineers and technicians to champion best practices and drive process quality and efficiency.
• Ensure safe operation of high-power laser systems, adhering to industry standards and internal safety protocols.

What You'll Need

• A master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials, or a related field, and 10+ years of industry experience.
• Exceptional foundational knowledge of pulsed-laser physics (e.g., pulse duration, beam profile control), heat transfer, and materials science.
• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting pulsed-laser processing equipment and material responses, including nanosecond and femtosecond laser systems.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM and machine tool programming, including G-code, for laser machining.
• Proficiency in design of experiments (DOE) and statistical process control (SPC), with fluency in tools like JMP, Minitab, SAS, or Python-based analytics.
• Experience with metrology tools, including optical imaging and profilometry, CMM, SEM/EDS/EBSD, XRF, X-ray CT, and IR imaging and spectroscopy.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with a passion for mentorship, team building, and organizational scaling.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled manufacturing and comfort collaborating with AI and software development teams is a plus.

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 [email protected]. To help our recruiting team manage application volume and respond to candidates more efficiently, Atomic Machines may use AI-assisted tools.