Senior/Staff Loads & Dynamics Engineer
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 Structural Dynamics & Validation team ensures that NEO performs reliably, quietly, and safely in the real world. We combine advanced simulation, experimental testing, and cross-functional engineering to improve durability, structural integrity, vibration performance, and control stability across the robot platform.
Working at the intersection of mechanical engineering, controls, systems engineering, and hardware validation, the team plays a critical role in delivering robots that withstand demanding operating conditions while providing a refined user experience.
Your Charter
Own the structural dynamics and validation strategy for robotic subsystems by translating operational requirements into validated engineering models and test methodologies.
You will define the structural loading environment, develop simulation and experimental validation methods, and ensure hardware designs meet demanding requirements for shock, vibration, durability, acoustic performance, and control stability throughout the product lifecycle.
Key Outcomes
Define statistically representative load cases that accurately model real-world robotic operating conditions
Develop and maintain validated structural dynamics, shock, and vibration models that correlate with experimental test data
Improve robot durability, NVH performance, and control stability through structural analysis and engineering recommendations
Lead structural validation efforts including instrumentation, data acquisition, testing, model correlation, and reporting
Identify, investigate, and resolve structural dynamics issues affecting vibration, acoustic noise, fatigue life, or system stability
Partner with mechanical, controls, systems, and reliability engineers to continuously improve robot performance throughout development
Key Competencies
Deep understanding of structural dynamics, vibration analysis, modal behavior, and dynamic system response
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate physical testing into validated engineering models
Expertise in experimental testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and model correlation
Strong cross-functional collaboration with hardware, controls, systems, and manufacturing teams
Ownership mindset with the ability to independently drive complex technical problems from investigation through resolution
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
Extensive experience in structural dynamics, vibration analysis, durability engineering, or mechanical validation
Experience developing correlated analytical and experimental structural models
Strong understanding of modal analysis, frequency response, shock, vibration, fatigue, and structural validation techniques
Experience designing and executing instrumentation plans, test setups, and data acquisition campaigns
Experience working with finite element analysis (FEA) and structural simulation tools
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional engineering decisions
Preferred Skills
Experience working on robotic, automotive, aerospace, or other highly dynamic electromechanical systems
Familiarity with acoustic noise reduction and advanced NVH optimization techniques
Experience supporting controls teams through structural dynamics characterization and stability troubleshooting
Exposure to fast-paced hardware development environments with rapid design iteration cycles
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 Structural Dynamics & Validation Engineers combine deep analytical expertise with a practical engineering mindset. They are equally comfortable building simulation models, instrumenting hardware, analyzing complex test data, and collaborating across disciplines to solve challenging system-level problems. They are driven by curiosity, rigor, and the pursuit of engineering excellence, ensuring every design performs reliably under real-world operating conditions.
Compensation Range
$207,000 – $253,000 + 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.