Project Developer

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 building the physical infrastructure for the future of mobility. We develop, scale, and operate EV charging, vertiport, and related infrastructure across major metropolitan areas, serving a variety of mobility modalities from ground fleets to electric aircraft. We move fast, operate with extreme ownership, and believe the infrastructure powering the future must be built by people who execute with vision, precision, and urgency. The Development Associate is the execution engine behind our site pipeline. You will work directly under a Real Estate Development Manager and own the execution for the full lifecycle of your projects. This is a role for someone who is curious and loves to solve problems, has a track record successfully developing real estate in a dynamic and challenging work environment, and who wants to help define how a new class of infrastructure gets built. What you'll do - Own the full lifecycle of your sites: diligence, entitlements, permitting, design coordination, utility energization, construction support, and launch. - Be the day-to-day lead on entitlements and permitting (zoning and use determinations, AHJ materials and plan check, title management, environmental coordination) and on utility coordination and energization (load letters, service applications, critical path mitigation). - Own the underwriting model and financial analysis for your projects along with the diligence behind it (ALTA survey, Phase I, geotech, title, easements, path to approval, cost and schedule assumptions). Prepare investment committee materials and other deal decision documents. - Own the project schedule and budget: track actuals against the approved business plan, keep a rolling forecast of schedule and spend through completion, and flag critical path risk before it's critical. - Own the RFP process for outside consultants, the subsequent deliverables, and prepare consultant agreements for signature. - Coordinate with the construction project manager and design team through document completion and value engineering, and track design progress against the schedule. - Maintain the project trackers and reporting for leadership and partners. Review contracts and billings, and process invoices, change orders, and draw requests. - Assist with building the playbooks and processes that let the next site move faster than the last one, across multiple markets, in an asset class nobody's built yet. - Represent Atoms to partners, landlords, utilities, AHJs, consultants, and communicate project status clearly up to leadership. What we're looking for Required - 3 to 6 years in real estate development, infrastructure project development, energy project development, construction management, or a related field. - Direct hands-on experience with utility coordination, entitlements and permitting, real estate diligence, and development budgeting and scheduling. - Advanced modeling skills. You will own and build the underwriting model and investment committee materials for your sites. - Excellent communication skills, a can-do attitude, and commitment to the team's success. - Experience incorporating AI into your everyday workflow while still owning the output and end product. - This is a full time on-site role with expected travel across markets. Preferred - Electrical infrastructure, data center, industrial, logistics, utility-scale energy, and/or aviation development experience. - Familiarity with federal, state, and local aviation and air use regulations. - Experience in California or other high-friction permitting environments, including building support among the stakeholders who control approvals. - Experience navigating complex environmental approvals. - Experience managing outside consultants and expediters. - Familiarity with Bluebeam, Procore, Excel, and Google Workspace. 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 Los Angeles 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 salary range for this role is $140,000 - $165,000 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 and an annual performance-based bonus. Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees): - 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. - 401(k). - Health Savings Account (HSA) - Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter) - Time Off policies: - Discretionary vacation days - 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