
Staff CAD Automation Engineer
Atomic Machines • Emeryville, California, United States
Salary: USD 220,000–260,000 per year
Role & seniority
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CAD Automation Engineer (Staff level; strong Senior candidates considered for growth into leadership/architectural roles)
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Onsite in Emeryville, CA; occasional work-from-home arrangement when needed
Stack / tools
CAD automation and scripting: Onshape API, SolidWorks API, Fusion API, or equivalent
Programming: Python, C++, or similar
CAD interoperability: STEP, IGES, JT, etc.
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GenAI-driven workflows and generative design concepts
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Component libraries and parametric modeling
Top 3 responsibilities
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Build CAD workflows that programmatically construct, modify, and evaluate 3D assemblies
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Parametrize and manipulate CAD models to support iterative design and optimization; integrate with CAD APIs for automated modeling and simulation
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Develop geometric intelligence for parts mating/fitting to form functional assemblies; create and maintain a library of parametric components; develop GenAI-driven CAD generation and automated design exploration
Must-have skills
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Deep expertise in CAD manipulation/parametrization with scripting/automation (Onshape, SolidWorks, Fusion, or similar)
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Strong background in programmatic CAD workflows; knowledge of AI-based CAD generation or generative design
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Proficiency with CAD interoperability standards (STEP, IGES, JT)
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API-driven CAD interaction (Python, C++, etc.)
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Experience parsing large CAD/model data sets for batch training
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Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Computational Design/CS or related field
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5+ years (P
Full Description
Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology platform. This platform enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by providing manufacturing processes and a materials library that are inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It unlocks MEMS manufacturing not only for device classes that could never be produced by semiconductor methods, but also for entirely new categories. Furthermore, this digital platform is fully programmable in the way 3D printing is digital—but whereas 3D printing produces parts of a single material using a single process, the Matter Compiler™ technology platform is a multi-process, multi-material system: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device—made possible only through the Matter Compiler™ technology platform—that we will be unveiling to the world soon.
Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.
About The Role
As a CAD Automation Engineer, you will have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and shape our CAD/automation workflows by developing generative and programmatic CAD pipelines that transform design specifications into manufacturable micro-device assemblies. You’ll collaborate closely with our AI, Modeling & Simulation, and Design teams to build systems that automatically explore, assemble, and optimize designs from a library of components. You will join a tight cross-functional team dedicated to pushing the limits of micro-manufacturing and computational design.
This position is onsite in our Emeryville, CA office, with openness to an occasional work-from-home arrangement when needed.
When referring to the compensation band below, keep in mind that it can vary depending on the candidate’s experience and level. While this posting is for a Staff level, we will consider strong Senior candidates who are excited to grow into a broader leadership or architectural role.
What You’ll Do
Build CAD workflows that programmatically construct, modify, and evaluate 3D assemblies. This includes
- Manipulating and parametrizing CAD models to support iterative design and optimization.
- Integrating with CAD APIs to move beyond GUI-based workflows, enabling high-throughput automated modeling and simulation.
- Developing geometric intelligence — algorithms that infer how parts mate, fit, and interact to form functional assemblies.
- Create and maintain a library of parametric components for generative design exploration.
- Develop GenAI-driven workflows for CAD generation and automated design exploration.
What You’ll Need
Required
Deep expertise in CAD manipulation and parametrization, including scripting and automation (e.g., with Onshape API, SolidWorks API, Fusion API, or similar). Strong background in programmatic CAD workflows. Knowledge of AI-based CAD generation or generative design algorithms. Deep understanding of CAD interoperability standards (STEP, IGES, JT, or similar). Proficiency in interacting with CAD software via APIs (Python, C++, or other relevant languages). Experience in parsing large sets of CAD models with product and manufacturing information to create batchable datasets for training. Bachelor’s or Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Design, Computer Science, or a related field. For Staff level, 10+ years of industrial experience (post Bachelor’s), or 8+ years of industrial experience (post Master’s) or 5+ years of industrial experience (post PhD), with the option of relaxing these requirements for a Senior level position.
Nice to have
Experience with geometric modeling kernels (e.g., OpenCascade, Parasolid). Experience in mastering NURBS and B-Rep. Experience with meshing, especially for simulation or manufacturing purposes. Experience with Model-Based Definitions.
Bonus Points For
Experience with implicit geometric representations. Experience with simulation-in-the-loop design, shape optimization, or topology optimization workflows.
The compensation for this position also includes equity and benefits.
Salary Range: $220,000 USD - $260,000 USD