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Mechanical Engineer, Automation

fab2.com

San Francisco, CA · $117k–$180k a year · Posted September 29, 2026

See every open role at fab2.com

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Pay compared with the market

This listing pays about $148,500 a year. Across 224 open mechanical engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $110,000 to $153,500 and the median is $129,000. That is inside the middle half of those listings, 15% above the median.

Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.

Mechanical Engineer salaries by state · Check your own pay

About the job

About fab2

The fab2 team can build anything. We design all the hardware and software needed to make chips and we make the fabs, tools, and components ourselves.

We're looking for exceptional, hands-on people who can iterate to the limits of what's possible.

fab2 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.

About the team

The Automation engineering team is responsible for robotic automation to rapidly produce semiconductor packaging devices. We design, prototype, build our own fabrication equipment, and develop novel processes. We have assembled a specialized team skilled in electrical, mechanical, physics, and chemistry to achieve this.

About the role

As a Mechanical Engineer on the Automation team, you'll generate and prototype robotics components and systems from scratch. Projects will range from precision, small motion and manipulation, integration of automation into existing machines, complete system development and bring-up.

The ideal candidate moves through design cycles fast and can own the end to end process . Our philosophy is to get things built/tested in days or weeks, not months. Because of this, a portfolio is generally required to apply: show us the things you’ve actually built!

Responsibilities

Design and iterate on machines and subsystems for automating fabrication

Create mechanical designs including structures, actuation components, and complete system assemblies

Integrate microcontrollers, sensors, actuators in system assembly, including:

Wiring precision measurement and alignment

Firmware validation and generation

Control system design and deployment

Heavily collaborate with cross-functional teams to continuously improve autonomous systems

Source components and materials while working with vendors to meet project specifications

Required Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Physics

3+ years of industry experience in mechanical and electromechanical system design

Experience with automation or integration, including system design, electrical work, and programming

Experience with microcontrollers and/or industrial PLCs

Nice-to-have

Master’s degree and 5+ years of relevant engineering experience

Experience using custom solutions for computer vision (CV) and/or video pipelines

Experience working with embedded systems, low-level control and communication protocols

Experience with system integration across mechanical, electrical, and software domains

Home workshop/lab experience, demonstrated passion for hands-on engineering

Working at fab2

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and labs/offices in Austin, TX, Lockhart, TX, and San Francisco, CA.

Compensation: fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $117,000 – $180,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2.

Benefits: fab2 offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

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.

Export Control Analysis: 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.

fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi