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Device Design Engineer – Device-focus

Device Design Engineer – Device-focus

CompanyAtomic Machines
LocationOakland, CA, USA
Salary$145000 – $185000
TypeFull-Time
DegreesMaster’s, PhD
Experience LevelMid Level, Senior

Requirements

  • Proven experience designing microscale device components or systems, such as MEMS or MEMS-adjacent technologies, from concept through prototyping, either in industry or academic research.
  • Strong background in the analysis and design of systems involving coupled physical domains, such as electrostatics, electromagnetics, piezoelectric effects, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and structural mechanics.
  • Familiarity with analytical modeling methods and experience performing multiphysics simulations using FEM tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics.
  • Fluency in CAD tools for microscale design, with the ability to move efficiently between digital models and physical prototypes.
  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and executing experiments to validate prototypes, including rapid iteration in an R&D environment.
  • Experience with characterization techniques and metrology tools such as SEM/EDS, CT scanning, and optical profilometry.
  • Strong documentation skills, with a consistent, methodical approach to recording design decisions, test results, measurements, and iterations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams that include process, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers.
  • An understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM) principles and the ability to contribute to the development of next-generation Matter Compiler capabilities through device-driven feedback.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and a rigorous, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving and experimentation.
  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, with 3+ years of hands-on experience in industry or advanced research settings.

Responsibilities

  • Drive the end-to-end design of microscale device subsystems, from concept through simulation, prototyping, testing, and iteration, leveraging the capabilities of our Matter Compiler platform.
  • Develop and refine innovative device architectures and components, using advanced materials and processes beyond conventional MEMS.
  • Perform analytical modeling and multiphysics simulations (e.g., electrostatics, fluid dynamics, thermal, structural) with tools such as COMSOL.
  • Design, build, and iterate on experimental prototypes in a fast-paced R&D environment with short design-test-learn cycles.
  • Plan and execute rigorous experimental validation, including the development of custom test setups and protocols tailored to new device functions or phenomena.
  • Characterize prototypes using advanced metrology tools, including SEM/EDS, CT scanning, and optical profilometry, to inform design decisions and process improvements.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with process, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering teams to co-develop devices and platform capabilities in parallel.
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation of design rationale, simulation data, experimental results, and iteration history, following internal development standards.
  • Contribute to the evolution of our design and development workflows, helping shape a world-class engineering process within an emerging, multidisciplinary manufacturing paradigm.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Programming experience, particularly in Python, for automation, data analysis, or custom tool development.
  • Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools such as JMP, MATLAB, Pandas, and Matplotlib for experimental design, statistical evaluation, and performance analysis.
  • Industry experience in structured product development methodologies such as Agile, ICSM, or equivalent systems engineering frameworks.
  • Familiarity with product engineering, including design verification, validation, and root-cause failure analysis.
  • Experience with reliability engineering, including accelerated life testing, environmental testing, and long-term performance characterization of microscale systems.
  • Hands-on experience with MEMS production technologies and fabrication process integration, especially in a research, prototyping, or early-stage manufacturing environment.