Mechanical Engineer at 1X — San Carlos, CA

# About 1X

We’re building humanoid robots that work in home - doing the chores, handling the tasks, and giving people their time back. Simple, but it’s not.

To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, manufacturing - at the same time, at scale, in a form factor that has to be safe enough to live with your family. If you’re inspired by this, you’ll thrive here. We’ve been at this since 2014 and we’re at the point where the hard problems are behind us and the hard work is in front of us.

# About the Team

The Hardware Engineering team designs and develops the mechanical systems that enable NEO to move, manipulate, and operate safely in the real world. From precision mechanisms and structural components to integrated electromechanical assemblies, we transform ambitious concepts into reliable, manufacturable products.

Our engineers work closely with robotics, electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, and operations teams to rapidly prototype, validate, and scale hardware that performs under demanding real-world conditions.

# Your Charter

Design and deliver the mechanical systems that bring humanoid robots from concept to production.

You will own mechanical components and assemblies throughout the product lifecycle—from early design and prototyping through testing, validation, and manufacturing. Working across disciplines, you'll develop robust, manufacturable hardware that balances performance, durability, cost, and scalability while supporting rapid product iteration.

Your work will directly shape the reliability, functionality, and manufacturability of the next generation of 1X robots.

# Key Outcomes

• Design and release mechanical components and electromechanical assemblies that meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements
• Deliver prototype and production-ready hardware through rapid design, testing, and iterative development cycles
• Improve product performance by applying engineering analysis, validation testing, and data-driven design decisions
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and cost optimization throughout product development
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve technical challenges and support production readiness

# Key Competencies

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with the ability to design practical, high-performance hardware
• Hands-on engineering mindset with experience building, testing, and refining physical prototypes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound engineering trade-offs
• Excellent collaboration skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• High attention to detail with a commitment to delivering reliable, production-ready designs

# Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline
• 1-2+ Experience designing mechanical systems, mechanisms, or electromechanical assemblies in a product development environment
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX, CATIA, or similar
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, manufacturing processes, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
• Hands-on experience prototyping, assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and improving mechanical hardware
• Experience applying engineering analysis methods including FEA, first-principles calculations, or validation testing
• Familiarity with robotic hardware such as actuators, gear trains, bearings, sensors, cable routing, or related electromechanical systems
• Experience creating engineering drawings, BOMs, specifications, and engineering change documentation
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

# Preferred Skills

• Experience developing robotic, consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, or other electromechanical products
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, injection molding, die casting, or additive manufacturing
• Experience supporting products from prototype development through production ramp
• Knowledge of reliability testing, failure analysis, and root-cause investigations
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Familiarity with PLM systems and engineering change management processes

# What does a successful 1X Team Member look like?

Successful Mechanical Engineers at 1X combine strong engineering fundamentals with a bias toward execution. They enjoy solving difficult multidisciplinary problems, learning from hardware through rapid iteration, and taking ownership from initial concepts through production. They understand that the best designs are those that perform reliably in the real world and can be manufactured at scale.

# Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $145,250 - $175,950 + Equity
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays

# Equal Opportunity Employer

1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.