Staff Mechanical Engineer, Robot Head
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 Robot Head team develops the mechanical systems that enable NEO to perceive, communicate, and interact naturally with people. The team designs and integrates structural, electromechanical, and sensing systems that house cameras, microphones, antennas, computing hardware, sensors, and other critical technologies within one of the robot's most complex assemblies.
Working closely with Electrical Engineering, Software, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams, we transform innovative concepts into robust, production-ready hardware that balances performance, reliability, aesthetics, and manufacturability.
Your Charter
Design and deliver the mechanical systems that power NEO's head assembly.
You will own mechanical components and assemblies throughout the entire product lifecycle—from concept development and prototyping through validation, manufacturing, and production ramp. Your work will directly impact the robot's perception, reliability, thermal performance, structural integrity, safety, and overall user experience.
Key Outcomes
Design and release mechanical components and assemblies supporting cameras, microphones, sensors, antennas, wire harnesses, PCBAs, and computing modules
Deliver robust mechanical designs that meet structural, thermal, reliability, manufacturability, and aesthetic requirements
Develop detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, GD&T documentation, specifications, and assembly instructions
Support prototype builds, mechanical integration, testing, reliability validation, and failure analysis throughout development
Improve manufacturability and scalability by partnering with Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to implement DFM/DFA best practices
Collaborate across Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Industrial Design, and Systems Engineering teams to optimize the complete robot architecture
Key Competencies
Strong mechanical design fundamentals with excellent first-principles engineering skills
Hands-on engineering mindset with experience building, testing, and iterating hardware
Strong understanding of materials, tolerance analysis, thermal performance, structural stiffness, vibration control, and durability
Excellent collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Ownership mindset with the ability to independently drive hardware development from concept through production
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
3+ years of mechanical product development experience with hardware successfully released into high-volume production
Experience developing products within automotive, consumer electronics, robotics, or other complex electromechanical systems
Strong proficiency with CAD software such as NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or Onshape
Familiarity with engineering analysis tools such as ANSYS or equivalent FEA software
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including injection molding, machining, casting, stamping, and additive manufacturing
Experience with GD&T, tolerance analysis, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA)
Hands-on prototyping, testing, debugging, and product validation experience
Ability to work full-time onsite in San Carlos, CA
Preferred Skills
Experience developing robotic or highly integrated electromechanical products
Experience working directly with global manufacturing and supply chain partners
Familiarity with production quality systems including First Article Inspection (FAI), Cp/Cpk analysis, and GR&R
Experience with thermal management, vibration mitigation, and structural optimization
Experience supporting products from prototype builds through production ramp and sustaining engineering
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 on the Robot Head team combine exceptional mechanical design skills with systems-level thinking. They enjoy solving highly integrated engineering challenges where performance, reliability, aesthetics, manufacturability, and user experience must all work together. They move comfortably between CAD, prototypes, lab testing, and cross-functional collaboration, continuously refining designs until they are ready for deployment at scale.
Compensation Range
$110,000 - $240,000 + 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.