Prototype Machinist (3rd Shift) at Atomic Machines

Emeryville, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Manufacturing, Micromanufacturing, MEMSIndustries

Requirements

A first-principles mindset — 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 (e.g., Fusion 360, Mastercam, HyperMill), 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 (CMM experience preferred)
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)

Responsibilities

Interpret 3D models and engineering drawings to plan setups, program CAM, design fixturing, and run inspection workflows
Operate a variety of CNC machines (3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis mills; live-tool lathes; waterjets; and laser cutters) 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
Order tooling and materials, process development, CAM programming, fixture design, manufacturing parts, and metrology/inspection
Provide feedback on designs to make manufacturing faster, easier, and more repeatable
Collaborate with machinists to keep the shop clean, safe, and organized, enforce shop policies, and train staff

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

CNC MachiningCAM ProgrammingFixture DesignMetrologyInspection3D ModelsEngineering DrawingsProcess Development3-axis Milling5-axis Milling

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work schedule for this Prototype Machinist role?

The role starts on the day shift from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM for ramp-up and training, then transitions within the first six months to a permanent night shift from 12:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

Where is the Prototype Machinist position located?

The role is based in the machine shop in Emeryville, California.

What skills and experience are required for the Prototype Machinist role?

Candidates need to interpret 3D models and engineering drawings, operate CNC machines including 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis mills, live-tool lathes, waterjets, and laser cutters while maintaining tight tolerances, perform CAM programming, design fixturing, and conduct inspections using tools like CMM.

What is the team environment like for this machinist position?

You will collaborate with a small team of machinists to keep the shop clean, safe, and organized, enforce shop policies, train staff, and provide design-for-manufacturing feedback.

What makes a strong candidate for the Prototype Machinist role?

Strong candidates think quickly, produce quality work, anticipate concerns, develop innovative work-holding solutions, optimize processes, and proactively manage projects to deliver parts on schedule.

Atomic Machines

Develops machines for atomically precise manufacturing

About Atomic Machines

Atomic Machines develops machines for atomically precise manufacturing (APM), which allows for the creation of physical objects directly from digital designs. Their technology focuses on microfabrication, particularly in producing Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), which are small devices that combine mechanical and electronic components. Unlike traditional methods that rely on silicon, Atomic Machines offers a more efficient approach to MEMS fabrication. They cater to various industries, including semiconductor, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics, providing advanced fabrication solutions that enhance precision, efficiency, and scalability. The company differentiates itself by focusing on APM, aiming to set new standards in manufacturing technology. Their goal is to transform the manufacturing landscape by merging digital and physical production processes.

Berkeley, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2019Year Founded

SEEDCompany Stage

Industrial & Manufacturing, HealthcareIndustries

51-200Employees

Benefits

Professional Development Budget

Risks

Emerging competition from companies like Zyvex Labs in atomically precise manufacturing.

Potential intellectual property disputes as more companies enter the APM space.

Economic downturns could reduce demand for MEMS in key sectors.

Differentiation

Atomic Machines focuses on atomically precise manufacturing, a novel approach in microfabrication.

The company targets diverse industries, including automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

Their innovative MEMS technology offers higher precision and efficiency than traditional methods.

Upsides

Growing demand for MEMS in smart medical devices presents a significant market opportunity.

Advancements in nanomaterials could enhance Atomic Machines' manufacturing capabilities.

The shift to electric vehicles increases the need for advanced MEMS sensors.

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