Tactile Sensing Research Engineer

1X • San Carlos, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

1X Labs exists to provide the science and technology that enables human-level, general-purpose humanoids. We identify the gaps between current robotic capabilities and human performance, then pursue the fundamental advances required to close them through deep research, rigorous experimentation, and rapid iteration. The sensing systems we develop are not isolated components—they directly shape what robots can perceive, understand, and manipulate. Our work spans materials, sensing, actuation, control, and system integration, with the expectation that research outcomes ultimately become products. Your Charter Advance tactile sensing toward human-level capability by developing sensing systems that capture the structure and dynamics of physical contact, not merely the presence of touch. You will take promising tactile sensing technologies and push them through repeated cycles of design, fabrication, testing, and refinement. Your work will focus on understanding fundamental performance limits, eliminating bottlenecks, and systematically improving sensing performance across spatial resolution, temporal response, dynamic range, robustness, and durability. As a Tactile Sensing Researcher / Engineer, you'll help create the sensing foundation required for dexterous manipulation and meaningful interaction with the physical world.

Requirements

• PhD in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Bioengineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated high-impact contributions to tactile sensing or related sensing technologies through publications, patents, deployed systems, or equivalent technical achievements
• Proven experience developing sensing technologies through multiple generations of design, fabrication, and validation
• Strong hands-on experience building and testing physical sensing systems
• Track record of identifying and overcoming fundamental performance limitations in sensing technologies

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with soft, compliant, or bio-inspired materials in sensing applications
• Experience designing custom experimental setups for sensor characterization and benchmarking
• Familiarity with robotic manipulation, dexterous hands, or human-machine interaction systems
• Experience developing custom electronics, transduction systems, or signal-processing pipelines for sensing applications
• Background in biomechanics, neuroscience, haptics, or biologically inspired sensing systems

Responsibilities

• Deliver successive generations of tactile sensing systems that demonstrate measurable improvements in sensing performance and robustness
• Establish rigorous benchmarking methodologies against human tactile capabilities and other state-of-the-art sensing technologies
• Identify and overcome fundamental limitations in tactile sensing architectures, materials, and transduction approaches
• Generate experimental evidence that guides research decisions and enables confident technology down-selection
• Successfully transition promising tactile sensing concepts into viable paths for integration with robotic manipulation systems

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree