...only to exchange one God for another?

You're right. Human beings have this need to understand what can't be known, feel safe, have something to trust in, have something to give them comfort. When you say "God figure" do you mean something to trust in, depend on for safety and survival, to answer hard questions, and to give you comfort? Atheists don't necessarily put faith in only scientists, but more in humanity in general. Atheists would rely on themselves and other people than something that they can't sense. They know that humans (scientists in particular) are trying to help humanity (for the most part). You cannot KNOW that there is a God who cares at all about humans. To me, it makes more sense to put your faith in something that you KNOW is trying to help.