Advanced Manufacturing Technologist — Tooling & R&D Operations

About Atomic

Atomic Industries is reinventing how physical products are made. We combine advanced software, materials science, and hands-on manufacturing to transform processes that have traditionally depended on long lead times and scarce craft knowledge into fast, repeatable industrial capabilities.

We are establishing an R&D operation in Pasadena focused on injection molding bulk metallic glass. The technical breakthrough exists; the next challenge is turning it into a reliable, scalable manufacturing system.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on technologist to help build and operate this capability from the ground up.

This position sits at the intersection of experimental operations, equipment reliability, and precision tooling. You will take meaningful ownership of the Pasadena operation from the beginning: keeping sophisticated equipment productive, supporting development work, solving mechanical and electromechanical problems, and creating the operating discipline required for rapid experimentation.

You will also work closely with a highly skilled moldmaker and deliberately develop expertise in precision moldmaking. We do not expect you to arrive as a finished toolmaker. We do expect you to bring maturity, technical judgment, diagnostic ability, and a history of taking ownership of complex physical systems.

This is not a conventional facilities position or a junior apprenticeship. It is an experienced individual-contributor role with immediate responsibility and a significant technical growth path. As the operation develops, the scope can expand into deeper ownership of tooling, R&D operations, process industrialization, and eventually training or leading additional technical personnel.

What You'll Do

• Own the day-to-day technical readiness of Atomic's Pasadena R&D operation.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot experimental molding and supporting equipment.
• Diagnose failures across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, thermal, sensor, and control systems.
• Establish preventive-maintenance schedules, critical-spares inventories, equipment records, and reliable operating routines.
• Support experiments, equipment changeovers, material preparation, process adjustments, and data collection.
• Work alongside an experienced moldmaker to learn mold assembly, fitting, polishing, setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, modification, and repair.
• Develop proficiency with precision measurement, metrology, machining fundamentals, and toolroom practices.
• Translate experimental results and craft knowledge into clear procedures, checklists, drawings, and repeatable processes.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, outside vendors, engineers, and Atomic's broader manufacturing organization.
• Help build a cross-trained technical operation that becomes more capable and resilient over time.
• Train future team members as the Pasadena operation expands.

What We're Looking For

• Significant hands-on experience owning, servicing, or operating complex electromechanical equipment.
• A background in field service, industrial equipment, automation, manufacturing, laboratory operations, or another environment where equipment uptime matters.
• Strong mechanical intuition and a disciplined approach to diagnosing unfamiliar failures.
• Comfort working independently, prioritizing competing problems, and taking responsibility for outcomes.
• The maturity to contribute from experience while remaining intensely curious and coachable in a new technical discipline.
• Respect for precision, process control, safety, documentation, and the accumulated knowledge of skilled tradespeople.
• The ability to move naturally between hands-on repair work, experimental support, vendor coordination, and written process documentation.
• A desire to build durable technical capability—not merely keep equipment running.
• Availability to work on-site in Pasadena, with occasional travel to Atomic's Detroit-area operations.

• A particular degree or traditional manufacturing résumé is not required. Demonstrated technical judgment, ownership, and learning velocity matter more.
• Helpful, but Not Required

• Experience with automated equipment, PLCs, sensors, motors, pumps, pneumatics, hydraulics, or thermal systems.
• Exposure to injection molding, CNC machining, toolmaking, metrology, or precision assembly.
• Experience supporting R&D, prototype production, or equipment commissioning.
• Familiarity with maintenance-management systems, technical drawings, or structured troubleshooting methods.

How the Role Can Develop

During the first year, success means establishing reliable equipment and operating systems, becoming capable of independently supporting the core experimental process, and developing practical competence in routine mold setup and maintenance.

As your tooling knowledge grows, the role can develop toward advanced moldmaking, technical ownership of Pasadena's R&D operations, process industrialization, or leadership of a growing technical team. The path will be determined by demonstrated capability, the needs of the operation, and where you create the most leverage.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• 401(k).
• PTO with a 20-day minimum.
• Direct exposure to a rare manufacturing technology and the opportunity to help turn it into a new American industrial capability.