QC Technician - PCBA Firmware Flashing and Functional Test

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 

The QC Technician is the last check between our electronics and the field. You will flash firmware onto circuit boards every day, run functional tests, and make sure every board that leaves the bench is correctly programmed, traceable, and working.

This is a hands-on, bench-based role on the hardware production team. You will work closely with hardware and firmware engineers, follow documented procedures, and flag anything that looks off before it reaches a vehicle.

What you'll do

• Flash bootloaders, firmware, and configuration files onto PCBs and modules using programming fixtures, JTAG/SWD debuggers, USB/serial tools, and in-house scripts.
• Confirm the correct firmware version and configuration is loaded on every board, matched to the build order, and run batch flashing efficiently while keeping error rates near zero.
• Run functional and power-on tests after flashing, following test procedures and checklists; visually inspect boards for physical defects such as damaged components, solder issues, bent pins, and connector damage.
• Use multimeters, power supplies, and basic test equipment to check voltages and continuity.
• Separate passing and failing units, and tag failures clearly for engineering review. Write clear failure reports with symptoms, steps taken, and photos where useful.
• Log serial numbers, firmware versions, test results, and failures in our tracking system or spreadsheets, label boards and keep inventory of programmed, tested, and failed units accurate.
• Do first-level troubleshooting on failed flashes and tests: re-seat connections, check cables, retry, and swap fixtures–escalate recurring or unexplained failures to hardware and firmware engineers with enough detail to act on.
• Follow ESD-safe handling and keep the bench, fixtures, and tools clean, calibrated, and organized, suggest improvements to procedures, fixtures, and scripts that cut cycle time or errors.
• Help keep work instructions and checklists up to date as firmware and hardware change, and support new product introductions and engineering builds when needed.

What we're looking for

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certificate or associate degree in electronics or a related field is a plus.
• 3+ year of hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing, test, QC, or a similar bench role.
• Comfortable handling PCBs and small components with ESD-safe practices.
• Basic use of a multimeter and bench power supply.
• Comfortable on a linux computer: running programs or scripts from instructions, using a command line at an intermediate level, and entering data accurately in spreadsheets or tracking tools.
• Able to follow written procedures exactly and recognize when something doesn't match them, clear written and verbal communication for logging results and reporting failures.
• Reliable, consistent, and comfortable with repetitive, high-volume work.
• Background in automotive, robotics, or heavy equipment electronics preferred.
• IPC-A-610 or IPC J-STD-001 certification, or working knowledge of PCB workmanship standards preferred.
• Experience flashing microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32, NXP, or similar) with tools such as ST-Link, J-Link, or OpenOCD preferred.
• Familiarity with Linux and running Python or shell scripts preferred.
• Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or serial terminals (UART, CAN), basic soldering and rework skills, and experience with test fixtures, bed-of-nails testers, or production test stations preferred. 
• Basic command of the English language

Physical Requirements

• Bench work in a lab or production environment, standing or seated for long periods.
• Lift and move boxes and equipment up to 25 lb. 
• Close-up visual work with small components; magnification provided.
• Use of ESD protective equipment required.

Why join us

At Atoms, you’ll work on one of the defining challenges of our time—bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what’s known and building what doesn’t yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it’s grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team—so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow.

What else you need to know

This role is based in our San Francisco office. Atoms is a company driven by invention and continuous change - we are constantly reimagining our industries, building new products, and refining how we operate. We do our best work together. That’s why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.

The base starting rate for this role is $40.00 - $60.00 per hour.

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Benefits Summary:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans, incl. HSA options)
• Company-paid life and disability insurance (short- and long-term)
• Voluntary insurance: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity
• Optional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Pet insurance discount (Fetch)
• 401(k) 
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Time Off policies 
• Paid Vacation Time (1h for every 26h worked)
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Paid sick time 
• Paid Bereavement leave
• Paid Parental Leave.

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? 

#LI-Onsite