Prototype Technician

1X • San Carlos, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Prototype Technician is part of 1X’s Manufacturing | Hardware team, which turns engineering concepts into physical prototypes for NEO, the company’s humanoid robot. Working closely with mechanical and manufacturing engineers, the technician uses rapid prototyping to evaluate designs, resolve assembly issues, and improve how parts are made, helping the team move from CAD to tested hardware quickly and reliably.

The role owns the day-to-day preparation, fabrication, and inspection of 3D-printed prototypes. It involves creating or modifying prototype parts and simple fixtures in CAD with engineers; choosing materials and build parameters; preparing print files; operating and maintaining printers; and completing post-processing. The technician troubleshoots failed builds, checks critical dimensions, supports assembly checks and functional testing, and uses results to inform practical design and process improvements while maintaining a safe, organized workspace.

Successful work includes delivering labeled, inspected prototypes that meet engineer-defined dimensional, fit, and functional criteria on schedule; improving first-pass build success and turnaround; keeping printers ready through calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and material replenishment; and maintaining revision-controlled CAD and print files, process settings, material records, and inspection results. The position requires working on-site in San Carlos, California.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, model making, or manufacturing, including regular 3D printing.
• Ability to prepare, slice, set up, and troubleshoot builds using at least one additive process, such as FDM/FFF or SLA.
• Ability to perform routine printer maintenance.
• Working knowledge of a 3D CAD tool, including basic part modifications.
• Ability to interpret drawings, dimensions, and mechanical fits.
• Experience using calipers or similar inspection tools, performing basic post-processing and assembly, and maintaining accurate build and inspection records.
• Ability to work on-site in San Carlos, California.
• Ability to follow equipment and material-handling procedures and communicate clearly with engineers.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with multiple additive processes, such as FDM/FFF, SLA/DLP, SLS, or MJF, and a range of engineering polymers or resins.
• Experience managing material drying and storage, support removal, curing, finishing, and dimensional consistency across repeated builds.
• Familiarity with parametric CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or Fusion.
• Basic GD&T knowledge and experience with fixture or assembly-aid design.
• Robotics, automotive, or aerospace prototyping experience.
• Technical training in additive manufacturing, machining, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, fabricate, and inspect 3D-printed prototypes for NEO.
• Create or modify prototype parts and simple fixtures in CAD with engineers, applying design for additive manufacturing (DfAM).
• Select materials and build parameters for intended uses and prepare print files.
• Operate and maintain printers, complete post-processing, and replenish materials and consumables.
• Troubleshoot failed builds and isolate equipment-, material-, and file-related causes of defects.
• Inspect critical dimensions, label prototypes, and flag deviations before parts enter assembly or testing.
• Support assembly checks and functional testing, and translate results into design and process improvements.
• Track build failures, test process changes, and verify results to improve first-pass success and turnaround.
• Calibrate printers, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot equipment to keep printers ready for planned builds.
• Maintain revision-controlled CAD and print files, process settings, material records, and documented inspection results.
• Maintain a safe, organized prototyping workspace and follow equipment and material-handling procedures.
• Coordinate priorities with engineers and communicate risks and issues clearly.

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 and 50% on the next 2%.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options.
• Commuter benefits for transit and parking.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support.
• Onsite snacks and catered lunches.
• Equity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed