Laser Engineer

Laser Engineer – Atomic Machines

Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology platform. We look for a technical leader to shape the future of our laser‑based manufacturing processes, from development to scaled production.

Base pay range $185,000 – $220,000 USD. Equity and benefits included.

• 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 processes for reproducibility and 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.
• Collaborate 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.

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field and 10+ years of industry experience.
• Exceptional foundational knowledge of pulsed‑laser physics, heat transfer, and materials science.
• Hands‑on experience operating and troubleshooting pulsed‑laser processing equipment and material responses, including nanosecond and femtosecond systems.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM and machine tool programming, including G‑code, for laser machining.
• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical process control (SPC) using tools such as JMP, Minitab, SAS, or Python‑based analytics.
• Experience with metrology tools (optical imaging, profilometry, CMM, SEM/EDS/EBSD, XRF, X‑ray CT, IR imaging and spectroscopy).
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills with 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.

Full‑time, Mid‑Senior level, Engineering & Design – United States, California (Emeryville and Santa Clara).

Equal Opportunity Employer – Atomic Machines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Non‑Discrimination: race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, or any other protected characteristic.