About 1X

We’re an AI and robotics company based in Palo Alto, California, on a mission to build a truly abundant society through general-purpose robots capable of performing any kind of work autonomously.

We believe that to truly understand the world and grow in intelligence, humanoid robots must live and learn alongside us. That’s why we’re focused on developing friendly home robots designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life.

We’re looking for curious, driven, and passionate people who want to help shape the future of robotics and AI. If this mission excites you, we’d be thrilled to hear from you and explore how you might contribute to our journey.

Role Overview

At 1X, we believe physical capability emerges at the intersection of mechanics, materials, and control. The next generation of humanoids and physical AI interfaces will be enabled by mechanical structures that are strong, compliant, quiet, and durable over years of real world use. Our vertically integrated approach allows mechanical engineers to directly shape how robots interact with people and their environment through structure, motion, and load paths.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer specializing in fiber and composite structures to design, integrate, and validate load bearing fiber based components used in humanoid robots. This role focuses on mechanical design, systems integration, prototyping, testing, and verification of fiber assemblies such as fiber reinforced components that operate under cyclic load, friction, and wear.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute DoE-driven test programs to characterize fiber assembly lifetime under realistic load, friction, and environmental conditions

• Identify key variables (fiber construction, routing geometry, termination design, coatings, duty cycles) and quantify their effect on fatigue and wear life

• Build and iterate test fixtures; instrument tests and analyze data to extract failure modes and lifetime models

• Define and maintain V&V plans for fiber assemblies including acceptance criteria and margin of safety

• Translate test data and failure analysis into actionable design improvements in collaboration with mechanical and materials teams

• Support scale-up by ensuring characterization methods and acceptance tests can be applied in production

Job Requirements

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace, or Textile Engineering (PhD welcome but not required)

• Hands-on experience designing and executing structured mechanical test programs, ideally including DoE methodology (Taguchi, full/fractional factorial, RSM)

• Familiarity with fatigue, wear, creep, or tribology testing of mechanical components or fiber/rope/cable systems

• Comfortable with test fixture design, instrumentation, and data analysis

• Experience translating test results into design decisions

• Bonus: experience with fiber, rope, cable, or flexible load-bearing components in robotics, medical, aerospace, or industrial settings

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $152,000 - $206,000 + Equity

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

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.