Counsel - Employment

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 We are seeking a talented attorney to join our Legal team as Counsel, with a focus on employment law and workforce-related advisory issues. You will balance strategic big-picture initiatives with day-to-day employment matters, HR advice, and complex litigation and investigations. You will partner closely with our HR team and leadership to determine strategy and approach on legal matters that span the entire employment cycle, from hiring, classification, compliance, workplace conduct and performance issues, leaves of absence and accommodations, and separations. This role offers substantial exposure to all of Atoms’ dynamic business lines and the opportunity to problem-solve across the employment law spectrum and more. Come join us! What you’ll do • Advise HR and business leaders on employment law matters, including performance management, restructuring activities and termination, and personnel issues, as well as building strong employment infrastructure for growing business lines. • Support employment litigation matters, including discovery management, strategy, overall case preparation and assistance with pre/post-filing negotiations. • Draft and review employment, consulting, and independent contractor agreements, related onboarding documents and offboarding documents. • Support workforce planning initiatives and strategic staffing decisions, including classification and hiring strategy. • Advise on background check processes and related pre-employment screenings. • Advise on employee relations investigations and issues involving allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and other workplace conduct. • Develop, review, and update employment policies, employee handbooks, and compliance documentation. • Assist with strategic workforce integrations from an employment law and HR compliance perspective. • Meet regularly with HR leadership to address emerging employment issues and provide legal guidance. • Ensure compliance with federal, state (particularly California), and local employment law requirements. What we’re looking for • 4+ years of employment law experience (law firm, in-house, or combination) • Admitted to practice in California • Solid grounding in California employment law and compliance • Experience advising employers on day-to-day employment matters • Litigation experience in employment law (discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, wage and hour or related areas) • Experience drafting and reviewing employment agreements and policies • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and efficiently across teams and advise non-legal stakeholders • Excellent judgment and ability to multi-task, problem solve creatively, and advise based on available information • Strong written and verbal communication skills Preferred qualifications • 5–7 years of employment law experience • Experience at/with tech companies, frontline workers, and/or highly-regulated environments, as well as global companies. • In-house counsel experience managing employment matters • Exposure to workforce platforms, HRIS systems, or related technology • Experience with investigations and misconduct allegations • Ability to balance compliance, risk management, and business objectives • Willingness to learn and grow, and be comfortable with ambiguity and risk; we value curiosity and resilience over pedigree 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 Los Angeles 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 $170,000 - $200,000 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? #LI-Onsite