Biomechanics Researcher
1X · San Carlos, United States · 3mo ago
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.
NEO is our flagship - a home robot designed to move, learn, and operate in the real world alongside real people. We’re not demoing it - we’re shipping it. We’re excited to meet you, if this excites you.
If you’ve spent your career working on problems that matter and want to see them actually reach the world - this is that moment. We’re scaling, we’re hiring with intention, and we need people who want to build something that will genuinely change how humans spend their time - safely creating abundance for all.
About the Team
1X Labs exists to provide the science and technology that enables human-level, general-purpose humanoids.
We are rigorous about identifying the gap between current robotic performance and human capability, then developing the technologies required to close it. Our work spans sensing, actuation, materials, control, and intelligence, with the expectation that fundamental discoveries ultimately become real products.
The Biomechanics function sits at the intersection of biology and engineering. We use biological systems not as templates to copy, but as reference systems that reveal what high-performance interaction, movement, sensing, and adaptation actually require.
Your Charter
Define what human-level performance means in quantitative, engineering-relevant terms and translate those insights into specifications that guide the development of humanoid robots.
You will study biological systems to understand how they generate force, absorb energy, sense contact, maintain stability, and adapt to changing environments. From those observations, you'll develop performance models, scaling laws, and engineering targets that influence the design of actuators, sensors, materials, mechanisms, and control systems.
As a Biomechanics Researcher, your work will help ensure that engineering decisions remain grounded in the realities of biological performance rather than arbitrary technical metrics.
Key Outcomes
Develop quantitative performance models that define human-level capability across locomotion, manipulation, sensing, and physical interaction
Establish engineering specifications and benchmarks derived from biological systems that directly influence hardware and software development
Design and execute experiments that reveal the mechanisms underlying biological performance and adaptation
Identify performance gaps between robotic systems and biological reference systems, providing actionable guidance for closing them
Enable cross-functional teams to make better design decisions by translating biological insights into practical engineering constraints and opportunities
Key Competencies
Deep expertise in biomechanics and biological performance analysis
Ability to translate biological observations into engineering models, specifications, and design requirements
Strong experimental mindset with experience designing, instrumenting, and analyzing complex physical systems
Ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines including robotics, controls, materials, sensing, and mechanical systems
Intellectual rigor combined with the ability to operate effectively in highly ambiguous research environments
Minimum Requirements
PhD in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with 5+ years of experience.
Demonstrated expertise beyond descriptive biomechanics, with a focus on modeling, quantitative analysis, or engineering applications
Strong secondary background or hands-on experience in robotics, controls, materials, mechanical systems, or related engineering disciplines
Proven ability to translate biological insights into actionable engineering specifications or performance targets
Strong experimental experience, including test design, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis
Preferred Skills
Experience developing quantitative models of biological motion, force generation, sensing, or adaptation
Experience working with robotics, electromechanical systems, or advanced hardware platforms
Familiarity with CAD, simulation environments, and engineering analysis tools
Strong proficiency in Python or similar tools for modeling, analysis, and scientific computing
Experience studying biological materials, soft tissues, tactile systems, or locomotion dynamics
What does a successful 1X Team Member look like?
Team members at 1X who thrive here are builders. They move fast, own their work completely, and treat time like it’s the one thing you can’t get back - because it is. They say what they mean, finish what they start, and hold themselves to a standard before anyone has to ask. We push each other to be better, and we do it with honesty and respect.
Within 1X Labs, successful researchers are deeply grounded in their domain while remaining capable of influencing adjacent fields. They use evidence to drive decisions, seek fundamental understanding rather than surface-level optimization, and care deeply about whether their insights survive contact with real systems, real products, and real-world constraints.
Compensation Range
$200,000 - $250,000 + Equity
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options
Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support
Onsite snacks and catered lunches
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, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.