Backend/Infrastructure Engineer
Role summary
Atomic Semi is seeking a Backend/Infrastructure Engineer to build core systems for their novel semiconductor fab. This role involves designing and maintaining backend APIs, data models, and integrating with hardware and internal systems. The engineer will be responsible for system architecture, ensuring reliability, observability, and performance, and handling production system operations. The ideal candidate has strong experience in backend development (Go, Rust, GRPC), deep understanding of systems fundamentals, and experience with production systems. This is an onsite, full-time role in San Francisco, CA, with a salary range of $125,000 – $195,000 annually, plus equity.
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
You’ll build the core systems that power the fab product, focusing on backend architecture, data models, and integrations with hardware and internal systems.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain backend APIs for the product
- Design and maintain core data models (recipes, runs, tools, wafers, jobs, etc.)
- Integrate with hardware / embedded systems
- Ensure reliability, observability, performance of systems
- Own system architecture and long-term scalability
Requirements
- Strong experience in backend systems (Go, Rust, GRPC)
- Deep understanding of systems fundamentals (concurrency, networking, databases)
- Experience designing and maintaining production systems
- Comfortable owning systems under real-world constraints (oncall, failures, etc.)
- Strong opinions on architecture and code quality
Nice to have
- Experience with hardware / embedded systems
- Deep database knowledge (Postgres internals, migrations, performance)
- Interest in networking, security, or distributed systems
- Runs a homelab / builds infra for fun
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.
Compensation:
Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $125,000 – $195,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.
Benefits:
Atomic Semi offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
- Visa Sponsorship
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
- Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
- Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts
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: $125K - $195K