Contract Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

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.

The Tool Software team builds the software that runs Atomic Semi’s semiconductor fabrication tools. We work across the stack, from microcontroller firmware and real‑time control to Linux applications for calibration, diagnostics, simulation, build/release infrastructure, and over‑the‑air deployment.

Our software sits close to the hardware and directly affects tool performance, uptime, process repeatability, and fab throughput. We partner closely with electrical, mechanical, process, and fab teams to bring new equipment online and scale it into production.

We’re hiring embedded software engineers to help build the software systems behind our fab equipment. You’ll develop firmware for real‑time control of semiconductor processing tools, working from early system definition through board bring‑up, driver development, control logic, state machines, communications interfaces, and production deployment.

This is an end‑to‑end role for engineers who enjoy debugging across hardware and software boundaries. You’ll collaborate with electronics and mechanical engineers on schematics, system requirements, controls implementation, and tool integration. You’ll also work on Linux‑based Rust applications used for equipment control, operator interfaces, diagnostics, and automation.

• Develop microcontroller firmware for semiconductor processing equipment and components
• Design and implement real‑time Linux applications for equipment control and process automation
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on requirements and controls implementation

• BS in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, proof of exceptional skills in related fields with practical software engineering experience, or equivalent
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience (professional or hobbyist) in real‑time embedded software development
• Experience programming in C for microcontrollers. Python for diagnostic applications
• Experience going 0 → 1 on an embedded system, from defining system requirements, prototyping, and seeing through to production use
• Knowledge of microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, I2C, and CAN
• Experience working with actuators, sensors and digital signal processing

• Background in semiconductors, industrial automation, manufacturing, or other hardware‑intensive domains
• Familiarity with controls for motor drivers, mass flow controllers, temperature controllers, or precision actuators
• Experience programming in Rust
• Familiarity with embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)
• Interest in applied math, linear algebra, numerical methods
• Familiarity with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) or similar reliability‑focused design practice
• Familiarity with full‑stack software development for working with adjacent teams

We’re an early‑stage hardware startup with solid funding, world‑class advisors, and lab/offices.

Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $105,000 – $145,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.

• 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.

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.