Atomic Machines is hiring: Prototype Machinist (3rd Shift) in Emeryville

Join to apply for the Prototype Machinist (3rd Shift) role at Atomic Machines

Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler technology. This full-stack technology 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.

Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.

About the role:

As a Prototype Machinist, you will be responsible for making parts from start to finish in our machine shop in Emeryville. This includes ordering tooling and materials, process development, CAM programming, fixture design, manufacturing the parts on the machines, and metrology / inspection. You will also provide feedback on designs to make manufacturing faster, easier, and more repeatable.

Schedule:

This role will start on the day shift (9:00 AM – 5:30 PM) to support ramp-up and training, and will transition within the first six months to a permanent night shift, with operating hours from 12:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

Responsibilities:

• Interpret 3D models and engineering drawings to plan setups, program CAM, design fixturing, and run inspection workflows.
• Operate a variety of CNC machines while maintaining tolerances down to ±0.0005 in (±13 µm).
• Develop innovative work-holding and tooling solutions for prototyping
• Generate efficient CAM programs, manage tool libraries, and maintain CAM templates.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMM.
• Optimize feeds and speeds and drive continuous improvements in shop processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and machinists to provide design-for-manufacturing feedback on machined and welded parts/assemblies.
• Support fabrication of tooling, fixturing, and other structures for R&D hardware.
• Document setups, offsets, inspection results, and lessons learned to strengthen tribal knowledge.
• Uphold safety protocols, PPE usage, and compliance with company standards.
• Contribute to shop cleanliness, organization, and equipment readiness.
• Proactively manage assigned projects to deliver parts on schedule.

Requirements:

• A first-principles mindset — You question assumptions, break problems down to fundamentals, and prefer root-cause solutions over pattern-matching.
• 3+ years of CNC machining experience in a high-mix, low-volume environment, with exposure to 5-axis or mill-turn systems.
• Welding certification with strong knowledge of codes, symbols, and techniques.
• Expertise in at least one CAM platform, with flexibility to adapt to others.
• Strong GD&T literacy and ability to interpret complex drawings, consistently holding tolerances of <0.001 in / 25 µm.
• Proficiency in metrology tools and inspection methods.
• Experience machining and welding a range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
• Skilled in manual machining equipment such as mills, lathes, drill presses, and saws.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to document, share workflows, and provide constructive feedback.
• Ability to lift heavy items (up to 50 lbs) as needed.

Compensation:

The base pay range for this role is $41.00/hr - $57.69/hr. The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.