Supplier Development Engineer- Motors and Magnets
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 Supply Chain team at 1X is responsible for building and scaling the global supplier network that powers our humanoid robots. We work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to bring highly complex electromechanical systems from concept to mass production.
As part of the Supplier Development Engineering team, you will ensure our most critical suppliers are capable, scalable, and ready to support rapid product development and production growth. Your work directly impacts product performance, reliability, and our ability to successfully ramp NEO at scale.
Your Charter
As the Supplier Development Engineer for Motors & Magnets, you will own supplier industrialization and quality readiness for critical motion system components that enable NEO's performance. You will work across engineering, sourcing, and supplier partners to develop robust manufacturing processes, mitigate supply chain risk, and ensure motors and magnetic assemblies consistently meet 1X's performance, quality, and scalability requirements.
Key Outcomes
Successfully industrialize new motor and magnet suppliers from design validation through production ramp-up.
Establish and maintain supplier processes that consistently achieve quality, reliability, and performance targets for motion system components.
Drive APQP and PPAP execution to support successful product launches and production readiness.
Reduce supplier quality escapes through proactive risk identification, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
Improve supplier performance through measurable gains in quality, process capability, delivery readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Competencies
Deep understanding of motor manufacturing processes including winding, rotor/stator assembly, balancing, bearing integration, and final testing.
Experience working with permanent magnets, magnetic assemblies, bonding processes, and related manufacturing controls.
Strong supplier development and industrialization experience in complex manufacturing environments.
Excellent problem-solving capabilities utilizing Six Sigma, 8D, statistical analysis, and structured root cause methodologies.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and external suppliers while driving accountability and execution.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
6+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, supplier development, or manufacturing engineering within automotive, aerospace, robotics, medical device, or similar industries.
Experience leading supplier industrialization efforts, APQP activities, and PPAP approval processes through production launch.
Strong working knowledge of FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, capability studies, GD&T, and production quality systems.
Ability to travel up to 40% domestically and internationally, including occasional short-notice travel.
Preferred Skills
Direct experience with electric motor manufacturing, magnetic assemblies, actuators, or motion control systems.
Knowledge of electronics, battery systems, sensors, and electromechanical assembly processes.
Experience auditing suppliers against ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or equivalent quality management systems.
Professional certifications such as CQE, Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, or Certified Quality Auditor.
Experience validating tooling, fixtures, automation equipment, and production test systems.
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.
Compensation Range
$133,000 - $195,000/ Year + 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.