About Atomic Semi
Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.
It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.
We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.
Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.
We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e-beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.
Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.
About The Role
We’re hiring Full Stack Software Engineering Interns for the winter term. The internship begins in January, with the option for preferably a 4 to 8-month commitment. You'll join an integrated engineering team developing semiconductor fabrication tools, tackling challenging, multidisciplinary problems. Our team’s size enables interns to take significant ownership and contribute directly to mission-critical projects.
Interns receive substantial autonomy working on complex, interdisciplinary systems involving precision mechanics, control systems, optics, geometry, and chemistry. As a Full Stack Software Engineering Intern, you’ll create software that ties it all together, from simulations to real-time debug interfaces and intuitive machine user interfaces. Candidates familiar with end-to-end software development will excel in this role.
A portfolio demonstrating software engineering excellence is generally required. Show us what you’ve built!
Responsibilities
- Develop user interfaces that interact directly with hardware, surface critical system data, and streamline debugging processes through intuitive visualizations (charts, metrics, logs).
- Build backend data pipelines for capturing and analyzing high-frequency semiconductor process data, including sensor readings, telemetry, and fault states.
- Create process simulations and interactive visualizations to aid operator understanding and process troubleshooting.
- Integrate embedded systems with cloud/server components using WebSockets, IPC, and serialization protocols.
- Implement state machines, profiling & optimizations, and comprehensive testing to ensure system observability, reliability, and performance.
Required Experience
- Proficiency in a few programming languages, ideally Rust and Python
- Solid understanding of Linux, including backend development
- REST APIs + JavaScript/React or HTML templating experience
- Experience creating visualizations using tools like Matplotlib, Three.js, or Plotly
- Strong curiosity and desire to leave no stone left unturned
Nice-to-haves
- Database experience (PostgreSQL, and/or time-series databases).
- OpenCV & image processing familiarity, basic signal processing (FFTs, SciPy).
- Knowledge of state machines and performance optimization.
- Exposure to CI/CD (GitHub Actions).
- Familiarity with IPC protocols (& Protobuf, WebSockets).
- Understanding concurrency models (Rust async, Python asyncio, threads/processes).
Working at Atomic Semi
We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and a lab/office in San Francisco, CA. Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Software Interns are paid an hourly rate equivalent to an annualized range of $110,000-132,000, depending on experience and education level. This range assumes a 40-hour workweek and includes up to 10 hours of pre-approved weekly overtime, paid at 1.5x the base hourly rate. Actual earnings will vary depending on internship length and hours worked.
Internship Benefits:
- Housing Stipend to help with first month expenses
- Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts
- Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
- Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
- Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
- Visa Sponsorship
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Life and Disability Insurance
We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.
Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
Compensation Range: $110K - $132K
