Biomechanics Researcher

1X • San Carlos, CA

5d • $200,000 - $250,000 • Onsite

About The Position

1X Labs exists to provide the science and technology that enables human-level, general-purpose humanoids. We are rigorous about identifying the gap between current robotic performance and human capability, then developing the technologies required to close it. Our work spans sensing, actuation, materials, control, and intelligence, with the expectation that fundamental discoveries ultimately become real products. The Biomechanics function sits at the intersection of biology and engineering. We use biological systems not as templates to copy, but as reference systems that reveal what high-performance interaction, movement, sensing, and adaptation actually require.

Requirements

• PhD in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with 5+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise beyond descriptive biomechanics, with a focus on modeling, quantitative analysis, or engineering applications.
• Strong secondary background or hands-on experience in robotics, controls, materials, mechanical systems, or related engineering disciplines.
• Proven ability to translate biological insights into actionable engineering specifications or performance targets.
• Strong experimental experience, including test design, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing quantitative models of biological motion, force generation, sensing, or adaptation.
• Experience working with robotics, electromechanical systems, or advanced hardware platforms.
• Familiarity with CAD, simulation environments, and engineering analysis tools.
• Strong proficiency in Python or similar tools for modeling, analysis, and scientific computing.
• Experience studying biological materials, soft tissues, tactile systems, or locomotion dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Define what human-level performance means in quantitative, engineering-relevant terms and translate those insights into specifications that guide the development of humanoid robots.
• Study biological systems to understand how they generate force, absorb energy, sense contact, maintain stability, and adapt to changing environments.
• Develop performance models, scaling laws, and engineering targets that influence the design of actuators, sensors, materials, mechanisms, and control systems.
• Ensure that engineering decisions remain grounded in the realities of biological performance rather than arbitrary technical metrics.
• Develop quantitative performance models that define human-level capability across locomotion, manipulation, sensing, and physical interaction.
• Establish engineering specifications and benchmarks derived from biological systems that directly influence hardware and software development.
• Design and execute experiments that reveal the mechanisms underlying biological performance and adaptation.
• Identify performance gaps between robotic systems and biological reference systems, providing actionable guidance for closing them.
• Enable cross-functional teams to make better design decisions by translating biological insights into practical engineering constraints and opportunities.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree