Senior Quality Engineer - Compute

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 We are seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to build quality for our compute box build, from incoming material through the unit that ships. In this role, you will set the inspection standards, control plans, and disposition process for the line, hold the release gate on every unit, and drive defects to root cause with engineering and suppliers. What you’ll do - Write the control plan and PFMEA for compute box assembly, and revise them as the process and the design change - Set incoming inspection for compute box material: PCBAs, machined and sheet-metal parts, harnesses and cables, with sampling plans and acceptance criteria matched to risk - Set in-process and outgoing inspection: what is checked, where, by whom, to what standard, and what evidence is recorded - Hold the release gate: no compute box ships without passing it, and it holds under schedule pressure - Own nonconformance: NCR intake, containment, MRB disposition, and rework instructions, with records that survive an audit - Drive root cause and corrective action on production defects with electrical, mechanical, firmware, and manufacturing engineering, and verify the fix worked before closing - Own supplier quality for compute box components - Define serialization and traceability for the compute box so the build history of any fielded unit can be recovered - Define the quality metric set: first-pass yield, defects per unit by category, escape rate - Partner with manufacturing test engineering so inspection and test cover the product together, without gaps and without duplication - Feed manufacturability and inspectability issues back to design, and hold a seat in design and engineering change reviews - Build the documentation backbone the company quality management system will inherit What we’re looking for - Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. - 6+ years in manufacturing quality, NPI quality, or supplier quality on electronic or electromechanical hardware: PCBA, box build, harnesses. - Compute, ECU, or electronics box-build quality in automotive, autonomous vehicle, robotics, or aerospace programs. - Set up quality on a new line or new product: control plans, inspection plans, and disposition process, without an established organization behind you. - Fluency in PFMEA, control plans, 8D, 5-Why, and fishbone as working tools. - Ownership of an MRB or nonconformance disposition process. - Ability to read mechanical drawings and GD&T, schematics, and BOMs well enough to write inspection criteria from them. - Proficiency pulling and analyzing yield and defect data - Ability to work onsite five days a week in San Francisco, with travel to supplier and contract manufacturing sites. Floor work requires PPE, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working at rack level and on vehicles, with or without reasonable accommodation. 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 location. As a company driven by innovation and continuous change, close collaboration is essential. We’re constantly reimagining our industry, creating new products, and refining our processes, and we do our best work together. That’s why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week. The base salary range for this role is $182,000 - $228,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards. Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees): - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance - Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options - 401(k) - Equity - Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays - Paid Parental Leave - Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan - Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday 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