Production Quality Inspector

About the role

Who we are Atoms is building the machines that power the next era of progress. Over the last decade, software has transformed the digital world. But the physical world, where food is made, minerals are mined, goods are moved, and industries are run, remains far less intelligent, far less efficient, and far more constrained. We’re changing that. Atoms builds Physical AI— real-world robots for the industries that move civilization forward, starting with food, mining, and transport. Our systems are designed to understand, predict, and control the real world with precision, turning complex physical operations into something more reliable, more scalable, and more productive. This work requires more than robotics. It requires deep integration across hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate. We don’t just build machines in a lab. We deploy them into real environments, operate them, learn from them, and improve them until they work at scale. We are roboticists, engineers, operators, and builders. We believe the next great technology companies will not only transform information, but the physical systems that shape everyday life. If you want to work on hard problems with real-world impact, join us. About the role Atoms is hiring a Production Quality Inspector to be the first line of defense on our build floor. You'll catch issues early, capture the data our technicians need to fix them fast, and confirm every repair holds before a unit moves on.This is an entry-to-mid-level role built for growth. We care more about how carefully you look, how clearly you communicate, and how fast you learn than about years of formal quality experience. We'll train you on our systems, standards, and tools. What you’ll do - Detect issues. Inspect assemblies, subassemblies, and finished units for defects, anomalies, and nonconformance against specs, drawings, and work instructions. - Document clearly. Log each issue with photos, measurements, part and serial numbers, and the conditions under which it appeared. - Gather data and escalate. Collect the information a technician needs to troubleshoot (failure conditions, reproduction steps, test readings) and route the issue to the right technician with a clean handoff. - Verify the fix. Re-inspect and re-test after repair to confirm the issue is resolved before the unit is released, and close out the record. - Spot patterns. Flag recurring issues to technicians and leads so root causes get addressed, not just symptoms. What we’re looking for - Hands-on manufacturing or assembly experience in any production environment. - Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude. Comfortable reading work instructions and simple drawings, using hand tools and basic measuring tools (calipers, multimeter), and recognizing wiring or fit issues. - Structured problem-solving. You gather facts (photos, measurements, failure conditions) before drawing conclusions. - Sharp eye for detail. You notice when something looks, sounds, or measures slightly off, and you don't let it slide. - Clear written and verbal communication. Your notes let someone else pick up an issue without needing to ask follow-up questions. - Coachable and quick to learn. You take feedback well, ask good questions, and adapt in a fast-paced startup setting. - Ownership. You follow an issue through to verified closure instead of passing it along and moving on. - Experience in medical devices, electronics, electromechanical assembly, aerospace, or robotics preferred - Exposure to inspection, test, or rework processes preferred - Familiarity with nonconformance reports (NCRs), checklists, or issue-tracking tools preferred Why join us At Atoms, you’ll work on one of the defining challenges of our time—bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what’s known and building what doesn’t yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it’s grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team—so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow. What else you need to know This role is based in our San Francisco office. Atoms is a company driven by invention and continuous change - we are constantly reimagining our industries, building new products, and refining how we operate. We do our best work together. That’s why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week. The base starting rate for this role is $32.00 - $42.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. Benefits Summary: - Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans, incl. HSA options) - Company-paid life and disability insurance (short- and long-term) - Voluntary insurance: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity - Optional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children - Pet insurance discount (Fetch) - 401(k) - Health Savings Account (HSA) - Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter) - Time Off policies - Paid Vacation Time (1h for every 26h worked) - 8 paid holidays per year - Paid sick time - Paid Bereavement leave - Paid Parental Leave. Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion. Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others? #LI-Onsite