Head of Quality

About the Position

Head of Quality

San Francisco, CA

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Atoms is building the machines that power the next era of progress. We’re changing the way the physical world operates by integrating hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate to create Physical AI-real-world robots for industries like food, mining, and transport.

We are scaling an autonomous vehicle fleet from prototype builds to serial production, spanning PCBA production, compute box assembly, and vehicle upfitting across in-house facilities and contract manufacturers. You will build the quality function from zero and own it end to end. You are the final authority on what ships.

Responsibilities

• Own release gates and quality systems across the full build: boards, box assembly, vehicle upfitting
• Define the quality metric set and drive systematic defect reduction
• Hold final QA authority over all production, including any third-party upfitter or CM; no unit releases without your gate
• Build root-cause discipline: 8D, CAPA, structured failure analysis feeding back into design and process
• Set workmanship and inspection standards and audit suppliers against them
• Stand up the quality documentation backbone: control plans, PFMEA, incoming inspection, traceability
• Hire and lead the quality team as volumes scale

Requirements

• 10+ years in quality leadership for complex hardware: automotive, AV, EV, space, robotics, or similar safety-critical industries
• Scaling experience: has taken quality systems from low-volume builds to serial production
• Knows what “really good” looks like: time inside a large OEM or Tier 1 quality organization, combined with the pragmatism to build from zero in a startup environment
• Deep hands-on knowledge of IPC standards, APQP/PPAP or equivalent, and supplier quality management
• Willing to hold the line on release decisions under schedule pressure

We Offer

The base salary range for this role is $170,000 - $220,000 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:

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.

About the Company

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.

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.

Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?

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