Softgoods Development Engineer

1X • San Carlos, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

1X is building humanoid robots for home use, aiming to automate chores and tasks to give people back their time. This requires solving complex challenges in robotics, AI, and manufacturing simultaneously, at scale, and in a safe form factor for family environments. The company has been developing these robots since 2014 and is now focused on shipping its flagship home robot, NEO, which is designed to move, learn, and operate alongside people in real-world settings. The Softgoods team specifically focuses on creating products that are pleasant to touch, trustworthy, and user-friendly. They integrate various materials like textiles, elastomers, and foams, using both traditional and innovative techniques, with a core emphasis on safety, a soft-touch experience, and a welcoming feel. The team manages products from initial concept through prototyping to full-scale mass production. This role is crucial for transforming ambitious ideas into refined, real-world products, requiring a blend of engineering, fabrication, and product development skills. The ideal candidate will be adept at sketching concepts, working with materials, and resolving manufacturing challenges in collaboration with a cross-functional team. The position guides softgoods products from early proof-of-concept to production ramp, emphasizing technical rigor and craftsmanship. This is a fully on-site role to foster collaboration and hands-on work.

Requirements

• 5 Years of experience
• Bachelors of Science in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
• Strong CAD and mechanical design skills, moving fluidly from concept sketch to manufacturable prototype.
• Solid engineering fundamentals applied with sound judgment across fast-moving, iterative hardware development.
• Meaningful hands-on fabrication experience spanning materials, methods, and disciplines.
• A collaborative nature - you communicate clearly, listen well, and bring out the best in the people around you.
• A portfolio is required, showcasing your professional work, personal projects, and passion projects.

Nice To Haves

• Textiles, yarns, leathers, elastomers, foams, and other material systems
• Mold design, tooling, and manufacturing fixture development
• Pattern making, sewing, and construction techniques
• CLO3D or similar digital patterning and simulation tools
• Adhesives, bonding, lamination, and process development

Responsibilities

• Drive softgoods products from early concept through production, moving fast and finding smarter paths at every stage.
• Build prototypes, tooling, and fixtures, iterating until quality, repeatability, and feel are dialed in.
• Partner with industrial designers, engineers, manufacturing partners, and vendors to resolve complex challenges and keep development moving.
• Develop assembly, bonding, and fabrication workflows that make great work repeatable across the team.
• Lead new technology introduction and rapid problem-solving, surfacing risks early and championing craftsmanship and continuous improvement.

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: Mid Level