Senior Test Engineer - Compute
Atoms · San Francisco · $182,000–$228,000 (stated in the posting)
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 Test Engineer to own testing for our compute box, from the first production units through serial production. In this role, you will define the test strategy, build the first test stations and the software that runs them, and own coverage, yield, and test time as the line scales.
What you’ll do
- Define the test strategy for the compute box: what is verified at PCBA, subassembly, box, and vehicle-install level, what each stage must catch, and the pass/fail criteria
- Design, build, and commission the first functional and end-of-line test stations: fixtures, interface hardware, instrumentation, and software
- Cover the interfaces that matter on a compute assembly: power sequencing, boot and provisioning, storage and memory, high-speed links, vehicle networks, thermal and burn-in, and electrical safety
- Define per-unit test data capture tied to serial number, with yield, retest rate, and test time reported by station and by failure mode
- Own first-pass yield: run fallout analysis, drive root cause with electrical, firmware, and manufacturing engineering, and separate product failures from test escapes and false failures
- Drive design-for-test into the compute box before boards release: test points, firmware test modes, diagnostic hooks, and connector access
- Write test work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and a failure-mode library the technician team will use, and train technicians on the stations
- Release and version test programs against hardware and firmware revisions, and keep test current through engineering change
What we’re looking for
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 6+ years in manufacturing test, production test development, or hardware test engineering on electronic assemblies.
- Compute or ECU manufacturing test in automotive, autonomous vehicle, or robotics programs.
- Built a functional or end-of-line test station from scratch: fixture, interface hardware, instrumentation, and software, through commissioning on a production line.
- Strong Python for test automation and instrument control, and comfort debugging from the terminal in a Linux environment.
- Hands-on with electronics test equipment: programmable power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, and data acquisition hardware.
- Experience testing compute or embedded systems: boot, provisioning, storage, memory, and high-speed interfaces.
- Track record of using test data to raise yield and cut test time.
- Ability to read schematics, probe and debug hardware, and describe a failure clearly to a design engineer.
- Ability to work onsite five days a week in San Francisco, with travel to supplier sites. Floor work requires PPE, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working at rack level and on vehicles
Why join us
- Work on real, production-deployed autonomy.
- Build technology that directly improves safety, efficiency, and productivity.
- Tackle complex challenges in demanding, real-world environments.
- Be part of a fast-moving team with high ownership and impact.
- See your work deployed and making a difference in the field.
- Collaborate closely with experienced engineers and industry operators.
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?
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