Communications Director

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're looking for a senior communications leader to own the portfolio-wide comms layer across Atoms' Food, Mining, and Transport businesses, and to build the calendar and relationships that bring a coherent public narrative to a company operating in four very different industries at once (food, mining, transport, robotics). The mandate is broad: set the strategy for how Atoms shows up across trade press, business press, and new media; build and run the network of vertical-embedded agencies and operators that makes that coverage happen; and make the calls on sequencing and tier as the company moves out of a long stretch of near-total media stealth. You will operate as a direct advisor to Atoms leadership on when and how each vertical's moments become public. The right person has built a comms function from zero at a high-growth, product-and-regulator-adjacent company, reported directly to leadership, and turned a multi-faceted business into one coherent public narrative. What you'll do • Own the company-wide moment calendar, sequencing partnership announcements, fundraises, key hires, and first-site or product launches so they compound into a coherent story rather than compete with each other for attention. • Build and run the vertical media network, recruiting and managing boutique agencies and individual operators embedded in each industry's press ecosystem, in place of a single centralized firm covering all four. • Lead new-media strategy for Atoms leadership, identifying and securing placements with the top-tier and niche podcasts/shows/events most relevant to each vertical's audience. • Set channel and tier strategy, operating the existing architecture — newsroom as system of record, blog/Perspectives for thesis-level narrative, company LinkedIn for amplification. • Drive customer-forward storytelling, shifting the default from Atoms talking about its customers to structuring press moments where customers speak directly about their own growth — surfacing CloudKitchens, Picnic, or other Atoms companies. • Advise leadership directly on the timing, framing, and risk of every major public moment across a business where the wrong call carries real regulatory and partnership consequences. • Internal Communications: Own how Atoms communicates with its own people across four distinct businesses— major news, partnerships, hires, and launches from inside the company first. • Develop a crisis management playbook before it's needed, mapping the realistic risk scenarios across each vertical and have a response strategy ready for each. What we are looking for • 10+ years in communications, including direct experience building a comms function from zero at a high-growth company in a regulated or partnership-dependent industry. • A track record of reporting directly into leadership as a strategic advisor, not just an executor of a plan set by someone else. • Range across the full spectrum of comms work — product launches, funding announcements, executive comms, crisis response, internal comms — rather than depth in a single lane. • Experience managing a portfolio of boutique agency relationships in parallel, in place of one centralized firm of record. • The judgment to hold several distinct narratives at once — food delivery, mining, robotics — without collapsing them into one generic voice. • Sound instincts for substance-forward, low-combativeness media strategy, with an understanding of the asymmetric downside of an adversarial press strategy for a business built on partnerships and regulatory relationships. • Existing relationships in one or more of: restaurant tech, industrial/mining press, robotics and deep tech, or business/finance trade media. • Experience building new-media placement strategy for founders or executives. 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 $170,000 - $215,000 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