Staff Software Engineer - Vehicle & Hardware Security

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.
What you’ll do
As a Staff Software Engineer focused on Vehicle & Hardware Security, you’ll own the security of the systems that make our vehicles operate safely, from in-vehicle networks and ECU firmware to secure boot and over-the-air updates. You’ll serve as the senior security partner to our vehicle engineering teams while helping set the technical direction and operating cadence for the broader security team.
Threat model and secure automotive Ethernet, CAN, and CAN-FD networks against message injection, spoofing, replay, and other vehicle-network attacks.
Design and review ECU security controls including secure boot, firmware code signing, and anti-rollback protections across vehicle compute systems.
Secure the OTA update pipeline, including update signing, staged and canary rollouts, rollback protection, and tamper detection.
Partner with hardware and manufacturing teams to identify and mitigate supply-chain risks, including counterfeit or tampered vehicle components.
Represent Security in vehicle architecture and engineering design reviews, identifying security requirements early in the development lifecycle.
Own incident-response strategies for compromised or potentially compromised vehicles, including safe remote isolation and quarantine procedures.
Provide technical leadership across the security organization, helping establish priorities, engineering standards, and team operating practices.
As the team grows, help lead a broader security team through technical direction, hiring, mentorship, and quarterly planning.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a deeply technical security engineer who understands both how modern vehicles are built and how they can be attacked. You should be comfortable moving between embedded software, vehicle networks, firmware, hardware, and security architecture while serving as a trusted technical partner to vehicle engineering leadership.
Basic qualifications
7+ years of experience in security engineering, including at least 3 years working in automotive, embedded systems, or industrial IoT security.
Hands-on experience with automotive communication protocols including CAN/CAN-FD and UDS.
Experience with automotive security testing tools such as SocketCAN, CANoe, Kayak, or equivalent tooling.
Production experience securing OTA firmware or software update systems.
Experience with secure boot, code signing, firmware integrity, and rollback protection.
Working knowledge of ISO/SAE 21434 and how automotive cybersecurity requirements integrate into the software and hardware development lifecycle.
Experience leading technical projects, teams, or security programs and influencing senior engineering stakeholders.
Strong communication skills and the ability to clearly communicate security risks, tradeoffs, and technical direction.
Nice to have
Experience securing Level 4 autonomous vehicle systems.
Familiarity with UNECE WP.29, R155, and R156 cybersecurity and software-update requirements.
Red-team, penetration-testing, or offensive-security experience focused on vehicles, embedded systems, or hardware.
Experience with hardware security, component integrity, or automotive supply-chain security.
Prior people-management experience or experience leading a dedicated security engineering team.
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 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.
The base salary range for this role is $224,000 - $284,000 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.
Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):
Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
401(k)
Equity
Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan
Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday
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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