Reliability Engineer

Target start date: immediately.  Relocation provided.

Since its founding in 2015, 1X has been at the forefront of developing advanced humanoid robots designed for household use. Our mission is to create an abundant supply of labor via safe, intelligent humanoids. 

We strive for excellence in all we do, solving some of the hardest problems in robotics with the world’s most talented individuals. Every part of our robots is designed and produced in-house—from motor coils to AI—reflecting our vertically integrated approach. At 1X, you’ll own real projects, be recognized for your achievements, and rewarded based on merit.

As we scale from research and development to full-scale manufacturing, we are looking for a Reliability Engineer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the primary link between Service, Design, and Quality teams, collaborating to ensure reliability requirements are met, field insights are incorporated into design improvements, and products are maintainable and serviceable.

• Lead failure analysis investigations and drive corrective actions (e.g 8D, CAPA, DMAIC) to ensure failures are systematically documented, analyzed, and resolved. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify root causes, implement preventive measures, and improve product reliability.

• Collaborate with Service Engineering to analyze field service data, define key reliability KPIs (e.g., MTBF, failure rates, downtime), and drive targeted improvements to enhance uptime, product longevity, and overall system performance.

• Lead or support DFMEA activities, translating engineering design risks into mitigation priorities, including verification strategies, test methods and procedures.

• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying areas for reliability enhancements without compromising safety or functionality.

• Establish and develop reliability engineering processes, including test planning, failure analysis methodologies, and lifecycle assessments, to build a structured approach to reliability in a growing organization.

Must-Haves:

• 5+ Years of experience in Mechanical Engineering / Quality Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering or similar

• Education: Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Engineering or similar

• Technical Expertise:

• Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for complex electromechanical systems, including 8D, Six Sigma, and Ishikawa methodologies.

• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data-driven approaches to evaluate reliability, identify trends, and improve system performance. 

• Communication & Collaboration: Strong ability to engage with technicians, engineers, and cross-disciplinary teams to troubleshoot, optimize, and enhance system reliability. Skilled in facilitating clear communication between hands-on operational teams and technical engineering groups, ensuring knowledge transfer, issue resolution, and process improvements.

• Problem Solving: Hands-on experience with quality frameworks and tools for resolving complex technical issues, such as Six Sigma, 8D, Ishikawa diagrams, SPC, and 5 Whys.

• Data-Driven Problem Solving: Proven experience in analyzing engineering data, creating models, and leveraging statistical tools to identify root causes and effectively communicate findings to drive decision-making and corrective actions.

• Attributes: Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take ownership of projects. 

Nice-To-Haves:

• Experience developing and implementing quality initiatives, training and/or strategy. 

• Experience mentoring junior engineers or cross-functional team members, fostering a culture of quality, and sharing best practices in supplier quality processes and problem-solving methodologies

• Experience with a technically complex electro-mechanical scaling product.

• Experience working at a startup, Skunk Works or LEAN team.

Location Policy

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.

Typical interview process 

• Introductions - interviews to learn more about you and talk about 1X and the role

  • Interview with a member of the Talent Acquisition team

  • Hiring manager / senior team member / technical interview

• Team interviews - technical interviews and deep-dives with team members. May include a take home challenge, presentation or problem-solving exercise

  • Technical deep-dive conversation with a team member 

  • Onsite interviews with team members 

• Final stages - you move to the final round

  • Expectation management with the hiring manager 

  • We will conduct reference checks

  • Job offer conversation 

Depending on the role and your background, additional interviews may be added. You are also welcome to request additional conversations with anyone you would like to meet, but didn’t get to meet during the interview process.

We are a value driven team
These are the ideas that express our team’s culture and how we work:

Be Nice

Collaboration is our driving force. Our team creates an open, trusting environment where everyone can be their most creative.

Stay Smart

A world-changing team needs the brightest minds in every discipline. This is where people come to work, learn, and grow to their full potential.

Make History

Everything we do gets us closer to one ambitious vision: Creating an Abundant Supply of Labor using Safe, Intelligent Humanoids. We believe what we build today will impact generations. 

We are an inclusive environment and value diversity of background, experiences and thought, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to contribute to our mission.

We're excited to get to know you and the prospects of having you on board!