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. What you’ll do We are seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop the low-level software that commands our next-generation autonomous transport vehicles. In this role, you will write the time-critical code that interfaces directly with physical actuators, sensors, and drive-by-wire systems. You will work across hardware and robotics layers to bring up custom microcontrollers and ensure ultra-reliable, safety-critical execution on urban streets. Read and interpret complex electrical schematics and understand the physical functionality of custom-built PCBs Collaborate with electrical and software engineers to develop comprehensive specifications for new hardware Develop firmware for custom boards from the ground up based on schematic designs and functional
requirements Extend and enhance existing firmware codebases to support new features and capabilities Examine, document, and develop interfaces for existing third-party vehicle communications systems Implement firmware for drive-by-wire retrofit systems on new vehicle platforms Support installations and troubleshoot hardware and firmware issues Develop test infrastructure for QC for boards and harnesses What we’re looking for Required Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience. 2+ years of non-internship professional embedded systems and real-time control applications experience Strong programming proficiency in C and Python within Linux development environments and ARM32 toolchains (such as GCC). Proven experience writing production-grade firmware that directly interfaces with physical mechanical systems, motors, or robotic hardware. Expert ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot complex electrical schematics and hardware datasheets. Deep hands-on experience debugging embedded systems, vehicle wiring harnesses, or physical hardware communication lines (CAN bus). Prior experience developing for safety-critical embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), or autonomous vehicle applications. Ability to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced startup environment and collaborate effectively across hardware and software boundaries.