Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings
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
We work at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, hardware engineering, and manufacturing to invent the foundational technologies that make our robots lighter, stronger, safer, and more capable.
The Materials Science team researches and develops advanced polymers, elastomers, structural adhesives, coatings, and functional materials that directly influence the robot's durability, tactile performance, energy efficiency, and manufacturability. Our work moves rapidly from laboratory research into real robotic systems, partnering closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineers.
Your Charter
Develop the advanced coating materials that define the next generation of humanoid robotics.
You will lead a polymer chemistry-driven research and development efforts focused on novel polymer coating materials for load-bearing composites applications. You'll design experiments, characterize materials,, and collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate new materials into production-ready robotic systems. You will connect coating chemistry and polymer fundamental properties to materials performance, including adhesion, friction, abrasion, heat generation, flexibility, fatigue, and others.
Your work will directly shape the mechanical performance, durability, safety, and manufacturability of future 1X robots.
Key Outcomes
Develop novel polymer coating materials for load-bearing materials and composites
Characterize coating and composite material performance using advanced chemical, thermal, and mechanical analysis techniques, including tensile, abrasion, adhesion, flex-fatigue, DMA, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and optical microscopy testing
Build a clear structure–property–process–performance model linking coating polymer chemistry, physical properties, and application parameters to performance in the defined use cases
Investigate coating and composite failures and implement chemistry-driven solutions that improve materials performance Establish laboratory procedures, testing methodologies, and documentation that support manufacturing readiness and intellectual property development
Key Competencies
Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, formulation science, and advanced polymer coating materials
Hands-on laboratory expertise with polymer synthesis, material characterization, and experimental design
Practical knowledge of coatings, polymer processing, surface preparation, adhesion, and formulation variables
Strong analytical mindset with experience using data to optimize formulations and manufacturing processes
Excellent collaboration across chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and systems engineering
Ownership mindset with the ability to independently drive research from concept through production implementation
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related engineering discipline
Minimum 3 years of experience developing advanced polymer coating materialsStrong experience with material characterization techniques including DMA, DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheology, and mechanical testing
Experience with polymer synthesis, formulation chemistry, polyurethane or other polymer chemistries for coating
Experience designing statistically rigorous experiments (DOE) and analyzing experimental data to optimize material performance
Excellent laboratory skills with strong attention to chemical safety, documentation, and experimental rigor
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research and product development environment
Preferred Skills
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related discipline; alternatively, a bachelor’s or master’s degree with 5 years of industry experience developing polymer coatings or related material systems
Great understanding of the polymer chemistry and formulation principles of commercial coating systems, including one or more of the following: polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, fluoropolymer, latex-based, or hybrid formulations
Good understanding of polymer physics related to coatings, including glass transition, crystallinity, modulus, viscoelasticity, damping, toughness, creep, stress relaxation, fatigue, and thermal or environmental aging
Experience scaling laboratory formulations into pilot or high-volume manufacturing
Experience collaborating with external suppliers, raw material vendors, or manufacturing partners
Knowledge of intellectual property development and technical documentation supporting patent filings
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 Chemical Engineers at 1X combine scientific rigor with an engineering mindset. They enjoy experimenting with new materials, solving difficult interdisciplinary challenges, and translating laboratory discoveries into scalable technologies that directly improve robot performance. They are equally comfortable designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, troubleshooting manufacturing challenges, and collaborating with engineers across multiple disciplines to bring breakthrough materials into production.
Compensation Range
$200,000 - $248,000 salary based on experience, 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.