Test and Validation Lead

1X • San Carlos, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

1X is building humanoid robots that work in any space humans exist with the mission to create an abundance of labor. This involves solving robotics, AI, software, hardware, manufacturing, and operations simultaneously, at scale, in a safe form factor. The company has been working on this since 2014 and is now at the stage of shipping its flagship product, NEO, a general-purpose robot designed to move, learn, and operate in the real world alongside people. The company is scaling, hiring with intention, and seeking individuals who want to build something that will genuinely change how humans spend their time safely creating abundance for all. The Test & Validation team is responsible for building the methods, infrastructure, and data needed to understand how NEO performs in the real world. They collaborate with Design Engineering and Reliability Engineering to validate new designs, accelerate engineering learning, and prove the reliability of critical robot systems over time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Test & Validation, Design Validation, Reliability Test, or a related engineering role involving complex hardware.
• Demonstrated experience leading Test and Validation Engineers through complex projects, including technical guidance, prioritization, and cross-functional execution.
• Experience developing and executing tests for robotic systems or complex electromechanical assemblies, including robot-level task/load characterization or durability testing.
• Hands-on experience with test equipment and methods including data acquisition, environmental chambers, vibration systems, HALT, mechanical actuation, and motor or drive-unit dynamometers.
• Strong experience with test planning, data collection, analysis, tracking, and technical reporting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading both rapid R&D/design exploration testing and longer-duration reliability or lifetime validation programs.
• Experience establishing standardized test processes, templates, data practices, or laboratory workflows across an engineering organization.
• Experience developing complete-robot or system-level validation methods.
• Experience managing test equipment budgets, procurement, capacity planning, and utilization.
• Experience working in robotics, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, or other complex electromechanical hardware environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Test & Validation Engineering team, setting priorities, providing technical direction, and aligning execution with program needs.
• Deliver robust validation strategies and test methods across R&D, design exploration, design validation, and lifetime reliability programs.
• Personally lead development of complete-robot validation tests, including task and load characterization, robot-level durability testing, instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition.
• Establish consistent standards for test design, execution, data collection, analysis, tracking, and technical reporting across the team.
• Ensure test results are accurate, repeatable, and actionable, giving engineering teams the data needed to make informed design and program decisions.
• Own planning and utilization of critical test equipment and lab assets, including budgeting, procurement, capacity planning, and equipment readiness.
• Provide engineering and company leadership with clear visibility into test execution, risks, roadblocks, results, and program readiness.

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: Senior