Mechanical Engineer
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
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?
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.
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.