Software Systems Engineer
US$170,000 – US$230,000 / yr base salary
Posted 2 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Staff Systems Engineer, Software”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 10+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
| Base salary | US$170,000 – US$230,000 / yr |
|---|
Atomic Machines is building the Matter Compiler™, the first in a new class of AI-native, all-digital manufacturing systems that build working machines directly from code. The Matter Compiler™ is aimed at micro-machines: motors and gears the size of a grain of sand, robots small enough to work inside the body, cooling built directly into the chips that run AI, and the many devices like them that have been waiting on a way to build them. Its first product is PrimeSwitch™, an electromechanical power relay the size of a button battery that carries 150 amps continuous current and opens in 50 microseconds, about a thousand times faster than a conventional contactor. Founded by Jeff Holden — serial entrepreneur, ex-Amazon SVP and Uber’s first Chief Product Officer — the company has raised $250 million to date. Atomic Machines is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices in Emeryville and Santa Clara.
About This Role:
As a Staff Software Systems Engineer at Atomic Machines, you will architect and develop the software infrastructure that coordinates precision manufacturing equipment, distributed control systems, and robotic platforms. You will define software system architecture while also implementing critical software components, integration tools, and validation infrastructure.
This role combines high-level systems engineering with hands-on software development and testing to ensure robust deployment of complex manufacturing systems.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop a deep understanding of Atomic Machines' distributed platform architecture.
- Own software system architecture spanning embedded systems, controls, cloud services, and manufacturing applications.
- Define software interfaces between platform services, robotics, and hardware.
- Execute software design and implementation for critical infrastructure.
- Develop APIs, communication protocols, and distributed services.
- Drive software performance analysis, latency analysis, synchronization, and reliability improvements.
- Define system validation strategies and verification methodologies.
- Drive FMEA, trade studies, and root cause investigations.
What You’ll Need:
- 10+ years building complex software systems.
- First-principles systems mindset.
- Strong software architecture experience.
- Experience with C++, Rust, or Go preferred.
- Experience with distributed systems and networking.
- Experience with gRPC, REST APIs, messaging systems, and IPC.
- Experience integrating software with robotics and industrial hardware.
- Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time software.
- BS/MS in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.
Salary Range$170,000—$230,000 USD
Atomic Machines is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and does not discriminate based on characteristics protected by applicable law. We are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including for individuals with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact rc@atomicmachines.com. To help our recruiting team manage application volume and respond to candidates more efficiently, Atomic Machines may use AI-assisted tools.