Lead, Manufacturing Engineering
About The Position
1X is building humanoid robots for home use, aiming to automate chores and tasks to give people more time back. This involves solving complex challenges in robotics, AI, and manufacturing simultaneously, at scale, and in a safe form factor for home environments. The company has been developing these robots since 2014 and is now focused on shipping its flagship product, NEO, a home robot designed for real-world operation alongside people. The company is scaling and seeking individuals passionate about creating technology that genuinely changes how humans spend their time. The Manufacturing Engineering team is responsible for the entire production process of NEO, from prototype to volume production. They design processes, fixtures, test stations, and standards to translate engineering designs into manufacturable products. This involves close collaboration with design, quality, NPI, supply chain, and production floor teams to ensure precision, repeatability, and reliability. The Hands area, a critical component of NEO, involves complex tasks such as precision mechanical assembly, fine motion mechanisms, electromechanical actuators, electronics assembly and test, and final precision electromechanical builds.
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
Nice To Haves
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
