Camera Hardware Engineer, Robot Head
1X · San Carlos, United States · 1mo 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 Vision Hardware team develops the imaging systems that enable NEO to perceive and understand the world. We design, integrate, validate, and optimize camera modules that provide high-quality visual data for perception, navigation, manipulation, and human interaction.
Working closely with Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Manufacturing teams, you'll help deliver robust camera systems that perform reliably across millions of operating hours in real-world environments.
Your Charter
Develop and validate the vision hardware that powers NEO's perception.
You will own camera module validation from early prototype bring-up through qualification and mass production. Your work will establish objective image quality standards, define validation methodologies, and ensure camera systems consistently meet demanding performance, reliability, and manufacturing requirements.
Key Outcomes
Define and execute comprehensive validation strategies for camera modules, image sensors, and complete vision systems
Characterize optical, electrical, and system-level camera performance across robotic operating conditions
Develop image quality specifications, validation methodologies, and objective performance metrics
Design calibration procedures and manufacturing test processes for high-volume production
Lead camera hardware bring-up from prototype through production qualification
Partner with Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering teams to optimize complete imaging system performance
Collaborate with suppliers to ensure camera modules consistently meet design, quality, and manufacturing requirements
Key Competencies
Deep understanding of camera system architecture, optics, sensors, and image quality evaluation
Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop objective validation methodologies and performance metrics
Hands-on engineering mindset with experience debugging, validating, and optimizing complex hardware systems
Excellent collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams and external suppliers
Strong ownership mindset with the ability to independently drive complex hardware validation programs
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
3+ years of experience developing, validating, or characterizing camera and imaging systems
Deep understanding of camera technologies including image sensors, optics, lenses, image signal processors (ISP), and complete imaging pipelines
Working knowledge of the electrical and mechanical integration of camera modules
Experience programming with Python and C/C++
Proficiency working in Linux environments
Experience using image quality evaluation tools such as Imatest, Image Engineering, MATLAB, or equivalent
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work full-time onsite in San Carlos, CA
Preferred Skills
Experience developing stereo vision or multi-camera systems
Experience validating and calibrating imaging systems for high-volume consumer electronics or robotics products
Familiarity with camera manufacturing, production testing, and calibration workflows
Experience working with computer vision and machine learning frameworks
Experience collaborating directly with optical, sensor, and camera module suppliers
Familiarity with production quality methodologies including qualification testing, statistical analysis, and manufacturing process validation
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 Camera Hardware Engineers combine deep expertise in imaging technology with a systems-level mindset. They enjoy solving complex hardware challenges that span optics, electronics, software, and manufacturing. They are equally comfortable designing rigorous validation methods, analyzing image quality, debugging hardware in the lab, and partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready vision systems that enable reliable robotic perception.
Compensation Range
$175,950 - $225,000, plus 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.