Real Estate Development Associate Jobs in Montclair, NJ

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 goal of this role is to serve as the bridge between development, construction, capital markets, and clients, while taking ownership of project execution and analysis responsibilities that currently sit with the development team.

We are looking for a Real Estate Development Associate to support development projects from early-stage feasibility and due diligence through design, permitting, construction, and project delivery.

This role will work closely with our development, construction, and capital markets teams and will be exposed to all aspects of the development process. The ideal candidate is someone who understands both the business and execution sides of real estate and is comfortable moving between financial analysis, client management, and project coordination.

What you'll do

Development & Execution

• Support sourcing, acquisition, due diligence, entitlement, and development activities across multiple projects
• Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, utility providers, municipalities, and internal stakeholders
• Manage project schedules, action items, permitting efforts, due diligence workstreams, and development milestones
• Help identify project risks, constraints & opportunities, and assist in developing solutions
• Ensure alignment between project teams, clients, and internal leadership

Financial & Strategic Analysis

• Build and maintain project pro formas, development budgets, and feasibility analyses
• Run scenario analyses related to site selection, project scope, phasing, incentives, capital expenditures, and operating assumptions
• Support underwriting and evaluation of development opportunities
• Prepare executive presentations, budget summaries, investment committee materials, and client-facing analyses
• Support the preparation of deal summaries, development recommendations, and investment committee materials by translating development assumptions into clear business cases
• Coordinate with the capital markets team to ensure development assumptions are accurately reflected in project economics and financing discussions

Client & Internal Support

• Assist with client communications and project reporting
• Help translate technical development information into clear business recommendations
• Support internal decision-making by organizing information, identifying key issues, and developing recommendations
• Help connect development, construction, finance, and client objectives throughout the life of a project
• Participate in client meetings and help drive follow-up actions, reporting, and decision-making processes

What we're looking for

• 4-8 years of experience in real estate development, development management, owner's representation, or a related real estate field
• Strong understanding of development budgets, project economics, underwriting, and feasibility analysis
• Experience preparing executive presentations and investment committee materials
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously

Preferred Experience

• Development Associate at a commercial, industrial, mixed-use, or logistics developer
• Development professional with exposure to both underwriting and project execution
• Owner's representative with strong analytical capabilities
• Real estate consulting professional with development and feasibility experience

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 New York 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 salary range for this role is $122,000 - $143,000 per year.

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

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance-based bonus.

Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):

• 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.
• 401(k).
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Time Off policies:
• Discretionary vacation days
• 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? 

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