Lead, Manufacturing Engineering

ABOUT 1X We're building humanoid robots that work at 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 Manufacturing Engineering team owns how NEO gets built — from prototype through volume production. We design the processes, fixtures, test stations, and standards that turn engineering intent into a manufacturable reality, and we partner across design, quality, NPI, supply chain, and the production floor to make sure what leaves the line is precise, repeatable, and reliable. The Hands area is one of the most demanding production scopes at 1X, spanning precision mechanical assembly, fine motion mechanisms, electromechanical actuators, electronics assembly and test, and final precision electromechanical builds. YOUR CHARTER You'll set the technical direction for how Hands gets built at scale. As the most senior individual contributor in the Hands ME function, you own the standards, systems, and process architecture that the rest of the team builds on — the work instruction frameworks, fixture and test station design principles, process validation methodology, and quality systems that make Hands production repeatable across operators, shifts, and ramp phases. Your work is on the critical path to delivering NEO at scale: every standard you set, every system you put in place, and every process you architect is what lets the line hold its standard from one set to the next, from one shift to the next, and from one year to the next. KEY OUTCOMES - Own the technical roadmap for Hands manufacturing end-to-end — process architecture, fixture and test strategy, work instruction frameworks, and standards that scale across operators, shifts, and ramp phases - Define and maintain ME standards and systems for the Hands area — fixture design principles, test station architecture, process validation methodology, work instruction templates, and the documentation backbone that lets the team scale without losing rigor - Drive measurable improvement in first-pass yield, cycle time, and reliability across Hands assemblies, with clear ownership of part-family and area-level quality metrics - Lead the most complex NPI work in Hands — partnering with design engineering on DFM/DFA, owning prototype and validation builds, and architecting the transition from EVT through stable volume production - Set the technical bar for the Hands ME function — mentoring Senior MEs and below, anchoring design reviews, and serving as the credible technical voice in cross-functional decisions - Serve as the escalation owner for high-severity production issues in Hands, from process failures to ECO impacts to quality excursions KEY COMPETENCIES - Deep systems thinker who can hold mechanical, electromechanical, electronics, and final assembly domains in their head at once and reason about how they interact at scale - Strong technical leader who sets direction and standards through their own work and influence, not through hierarchy - Architect-level instinct for process and tooling — designs systems that hold up under shift expansion, operator turnover, and design iteration - Credible voice in design reviews and architecture discussions — able to push back, advocate for manufacturability, and shift product direction with evidence - Data-fluent operator who defines the right metrics, sees the signal in the noise, and uses what they find to move the organization - Builder's instinct: moves fast, ships tools and standards that get used, and closes the loop between floor reality and engineering decisions MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering for complex precision mechanical or electromechanical products, with at least 2 years operating at a technical lead or principal-equivalent level - Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience - Demonstrated ownership of process architecture, fixture/test systems, or manufacturing standards that meaningfully improved yield, cycle time, or scalability at production volume - Systems-level expertise spanning precision mechanical assembly, electromechanical integration, and electronics handling and test - Track record of influencing product design through DFM/DFA feedback and driving design changes back into engineering - Deep proficiency with GD&T, tolerance stack analysis, SPC, and structured process validation methods - Strong working knowledge of CAD, PLM, and ERP/MES systems, with a high standard for manufacturing documentation - Excellent written and verbal communication, including with senior technical and executive audiences PREFERRED SKILLS - Experience with humanoid robotics, prosthetics, surgical robotics, or other dexterous end-effector systems - Experience scaling a production area through multi-shift expansion and significant volume ramp - Background architecting work instruction systems, training matrices, or technician certification frameworks designed for replication across production areas - Experience with Odoo or comparable ERP/MES platforms - Familiarity with CAM programming and precision machining for fixture and prototype work - Exposure to high-mix, low-volume environments with frequent design iteration 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. COMPENSATION RANGE $180,000 – $240,000 + 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.