Mechanical Engineer - Prototyping
About The Position
The Prototyping team helps turn ideas into physical reality across some of the most varied hardware projects at 1X. While other engineering teams may focus deeply on a specific subsystem of NEO, this team works across accessories, shop products, internal ecosystem projects, and the hardware needed to support the broader NEO experience. You may be designing a mechanical prototype one week, coordinating fabrication the next, and testing or iterating on a completely different product shortly after. If you enjoy variety, ownership, and building things from the ground up, this is a team where you will have a direct impact. Your Charter: Own the end-to-end development of physical products and prototypes that support the NEO ecosystem beyond the core robot. You will take projects from unclear requirements through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and iteration, working directly with stakeholders and internal and external resources to deliver practical, high-quality solutions. Your work will help 1X rapidly develop the accessories, products, tools, and supporting hardware required to bring NEO into the real world and into people's homes.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, product development, prototyping, or a similar hands-on hardware development role.
- Demonstrated experience taking physical products or prototypes from concept through design, fabrication, assembly, and testing.
- Strong mechanical CAD and design skills, with an understanding of manufacturing processes and practical fabrication constraints.
- Experience independently managing multiple hardware projects with competing priorities.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
Nice To Haves
- Portfolio demonstrating prototypes, products, or hardware projects you have personally designed and built.
- Experience working with machine shops, contract manufacturers, and other external fabrication partners.
- Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing, machining, sheet metal, casting, or other fabrication methods.
- Experience developing consumer products, accessories, or products intended for real-world customer use.
- Exposure to electrical, manufacturing, or other multidisciplinary engineering work beyond mechanical design.
Responsibilities
- Deliver functional, validated prototypes and products from concept through fabrication and testing, balancing speed, quality, cost, and performance.
- Independently drive multiple projects simultaneously, establishing requirements, priorities, and execution plans even when the initial problem is ambiguous.
- Develop practical mechanical designs that can be rapidly prototyped, tested, iterated, and transitioned to appropriate manufacturing methods when needed.
- Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, machine shops, vendors, and other fabrication resources to ensure projects move quickly from design to physical hardware.
- Identify issues through hands-on testing and iteration, using learnings to improve design performance, reliability, usability, and manufacturability.
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
