Hardware Lab Technician

Our mission at Atomic Machines is to bring autonomous bits-to-atoms manufacturing of anything at any scale to the world, and we are well on our way. We are developing an entirely new class of manufacturing foundry for micro- and nano-scale machines, and we are using that foundry to create products the world has heretofore been unable to build. Our first device has exceptionally strong and large-scale product-market fit: it is both iconic of what our platform can do and a driver of very significant enterprise scale.

Joining forces with us means becoming part of an incredibly talented, inventive and passionate multi-disciplinary team running hard to make our platform, devices and vision a reality. You will have the opportunity to help define the company from its earliest days. You’ll be challenged to learn and grow as a builder and a leader as the company itself grows rapidly. And you will receive significant equity compensation - you’ll truly be a company owner and benefit financially from our overall success. 

Our offices are located in Berkeley and Santa Clara, California.

About this Role:

As a Hardware Lab Technician, you will work on a multitude of projects related to developing next-generation microscale devices in a highly dynamic workplace. Bringing your knowledge and training in micro-fabrication, technology, safety, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and manage your time are all important aspects of this role. We are looking for a self-starter who is willing to grow their skill set and actively improve our processes. The team is working in a fast-paced development phase, and you will be expected to pitch in where needed, so previous experience in a prototyping or R&D environment is encouraged, and startup experience is a plus.

Our offices are located in Berkeley and Santa Clara, California. This position is full-time and is located in our Berkeley location.

What You'll Do:

• Follow established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prepare materials and assemble device prototypes for customer samples and internal validation.
• Follow established protocols and SOPs to carry out experiments and tests accurately and safely.
• Assist in developing and optimizing new assembly procedures and methods, collaborating with cross-functional teams, including scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel.
• Prepare components and sub-systems for assembly.
• Handle small and delicate parts (mm and sub-mm size scale) under a microscope with tweezers while wearing gloves or in a glove box.
• Perform cleaning of materials with solvents in a fume hood.
• Use metrology instruments, including mass balance, micrometer, optical microscope, profilometer, and SEM/EDS.
• Operate thermal processing tools (e.g., ovens, tube furnaces) and perform physical vapor deposition (e.g., using sputtering systems).
• Perform Failure Analysis.
• Prepare samples for cross-sectioning - epoxy mount and polish.
• Inspect with X-ray, an optical microscope, and SEM/EDS.
• Collect and summarize experimental data for review by team members and supervising staff.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory space, ensuring compliance with safety and cleanliness standards.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous chemicals and waste materials in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain inventory of materials and laboratory supplies and order replenishments as needed.
• Train team members on assembly processes and safety protocols, staying updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and safety protocols.
• Participate in safety training programs and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.

What You'll Need:

• Proven experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in MEMS or micro-electronics development and assembly.
• Strong understanding of material science principles, laboratory techniques, and safety protocols.
• Exceptional hands-on materials processing and microassembly skills.
• Ability to perform assembly operations under microscopes or other magnifying devices.
• Proficiency in using and maintaining laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Ability to run physical tests and analyses from written standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills for accurate data recording and reporting.
• Familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or JMP.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and other technicians.
• Associate’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent plus five years of industry experience.

Bonus Points For:

• Additional certifications in technical fields.
• Training in laboratory safety protocols and best practices.
• Experience working in a cleanroom and glovebox.
• Experience with microfabrication and MEMS devices.
• Proficient software literacy, ability to use command line interfaces, read and understand automation device manuals, and debug software-controlled systems.
• Experience operating and maintaining semiconductor fabrication equipment (PVD, CVD, etc.) or other related vacuum systems.
• Familiarity with various vacuum flange standards (e.g., CF, KF, ISO, VCR, etc).
• Experience operating and maintaining laser processing systems (e.g., for laser micromachining).