Mechanical Engineer, Robot Head

About 1X
We build humanoid robots that work alongside people to solve labor shortages and create abundance.

Role Overview
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and scale the head sub-system for our humanoid robot, NEO. This role involves developing and integrating the structural, mechanical, and electromechanical components that enable the robot’s expressive, perceptive, and functional capabilities.

You will be responsible for hands-on design, prototyping, and system integration while working closely with electrical, software, manufacturing and industrial design teams. You will own mechanical components and assemblies throughout their lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping to validation and mass production. Your work will directly influence the reliability, safety, aesthetics, and scalability of humanoid robots deployed worldwide.

The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver with strong mechanical design skills who thrives in a fast-paced product development environment.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design and integration of components within the robot’s head assembly, including PCBAs, cameras, microphones, sensors, antennas, wire harnesses and computing modules

• Own the mechanical product lifecycle from concept through validation and production ramp-up

• Analyze and optimize materials, tolerance stack-ups, mass distribution, thermal performance, stiffness, and durability to meet performance, safety, and aesthetic requirements

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical systems into the full robot architecture

• Create and maintain design documentation including 3D CAD models, detailed GD&T drawings, specifications and assembly instructions

• Support production, mechanical testing, reliability validation, and failure analysis for continuous improvement

• Iterate on design concepts and build rapid prototypes in partnership with the in-house prototyping lab

• Partner with manufacturing and supply chain teams to apply DFM/DFA principles for scalable, cost-effective designs

• Collaborate with industrial designers to harmonize head functionality with exterior appearance and aesthetics

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

• 3+ years of mechanical design experience with a track record of bringing hardware into high-volume production

• Experience in automotive, consumer electronics, or other complex hardware systems

• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (e.g., NX, CATIA, Solidworks; OnShape preferred) and familiarity with mechanical analysis tools such as ANSYS

• Strong first-principles engineering fundamentals, including broad knowledge of materials, DFM/DFA principles and manufacturing methods including injection molding, casting, machining, stamping and 3D printing

• Hands-on prototyping/testing experience and familiarity with thermal design and vibration control

• Able to work full-time on-site in Palo Alto, CA

Preferred & Nice-to-Have

• Experience working with global suppliers

• Familiarity with production part qualification (i.e. first article inspections, manufacturing process capabilities (Cp/Cpk), and measurement gage repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R)

Benefits & Compensation

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

• Base Pay: $110k - $240k + Equity

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, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.