Mechanical Engineer - Actuators
1X · San Carlos, United States · 2mo 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 Actuators team develops the electromechanical systems that enable NEO to move with strength, precision, and reliability. Our work spans mechanical design, electric motors, sensing, power transmission, controls integration, and hardware validation.
We work closely with electrical, controls, firmware, test, and manufacturing teams to rapidly develop actuator concepts, validate performance, and mature designs into reliable systems that can be produced at scale.
Your Charter
Design and integrate the mechanical systems that enable high-performance robotic actuation.
You will contribute to actuator development from early concepts and technical viability decisions through detailed design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing readiness. Your work will include mechanical packaging, tolerance definition, component integration, and design iteration based on hardware test results.
You will also work closely with electric motors and electromagnetic components, ensuring mechanical designs account for critical interfaces such as air gaps, magnets, laminations, sensors, thermal behavior, and assembly constraints.
Key Outcomes
Design and release actuator components and assemblies that meet performance, packaging, reliability, and manufacturability requirements
Deliver accurate CAD models, engineering drawings, BOMs, tolerance definitions, and interface documentation
Improve actuator performance and durability through rapid prototyping, testing, failure analysis, and design iteration
Successfully integrate mechanical, electrical, sensing, and electromagnetic components into complete actuator systems
Support the transition of actuator designs from early prototypes into repeatable, production-ready hardware
Key Competencies
Strong mechanical design fundamentals with the ability to create practical and manufacturable hardware
Hands-on engineering mindset with an interest in assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and improving physical systems
Strong mechanical intuition around tolerances, fits, materials, bearings, shafts, and structural interfaces
Curiosity about electric motors, electromagnetic systems, and multidisciplinary actuator design
Strong collaboration and communication skills across mechanical, electrical, controls, test, and manufacturing teams
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field
2–5 years of experience in mechanical design, product development, or a related engineering role
Strong proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Onshape, Inventor, or equivalent
Experience creating production-quality engineering drawings and mechanical documentation
Strong understanding of tolerances, fits, materials, and mechanical design fundamentals
Hands-on experience supporting prototype assembly, testing, and hardware iteration
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environment
Preferred Skills
Experience developing robotic actuators, motors, or other electromechanical systems
Familiarity with electric motors, magnets, laminations, air gaps, encoders, or electromagnetic components
Experience with bearings, gears, shafts, transmissions, and structural actuator components
Exposure to rapid prototyping and iterative hardware development cycles
Experience supporting hardware through verification testing, failure analysis, and design refinement
Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles
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 engineers on the Actuators team combine strong mechanical fundamentals with curiosity across adjacent disciplines. They enjoy moving between CAD, hardware builds, testing, and cross-functional problem-solving. They learn quickly from physical systems and take ownership of improving designs until they perform reliably in the real world.
Compensation Range
$107,700 - $161,500 + 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.