Model Maker

1X; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) match

FSA/HSA

Commuter benefits

Life insurance

EAP

Snacks & lunches

Job summary

1X is seeking a Model Maker Finishing/Painting to craft high‑quality appearance models and prototypes for NEO and related projects. You will hand finish, paint, and assemble physical mockups, closely collaborating with industrial designers and engineers.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in model making and a strong portfolio demonstrating finishing and assembly across plastics and metals, delivering consistent surface quality for design reviews and production previews.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in product model making, finishing, painting, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with cosmetic hand finishing and painting of physical models or product prototypes.
• Proficiency in finishing plastics and metals across a range of surface types, from high polish to fine matte.
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed model assembly with precision and consistency.
• Strong craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
• A portfolio or samples demonstrating relevant model‑making, finishing, painting, and assembly work is required.

Responsibilities

• Own the cosmetic finishing, painting, and detailed assembly of appearance models and physical mock‑ups, ensuring each model accurately represents the intended design direction.
• Execute cosmetic hand finishing and painting across plastics, metals, and other model‑making materials, achieving consistent surface quality from high polish to fine matte.
• Complete detailed model assembly with precision, ensuring components fit correctly and finished models accurately represent design intent.
• Maintain consistent craftsmanship and repeatable finishing standards across multiple models, materials, and surface types.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, model makers, and engineers to resolve finish, assembly, and appearance challenges.
• Support the timely delivery of physical models for design reviews, product evaluations, and prototype development.

Skills

Model making

Finishing

Painting

Detail assembly

Hand finishing

Prototype work

Job description

About 1X

We’re building humanoid robots that work in any space humans exist with the mission to create an abundance of labor. Simple, but it’s not.

Model Maker Finishing/Painting

Prototyping

To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, software, hardware, manufacturing and operations at the same time, at scale, in a form factor that has to be safe. If you’re inspired by this, you’ll thrive here. We’ve been at this since 2014 and we’re at the point where the hard problems are behind us and the hard work is in front of us.

NEO is our flagship - a general purpose robot designed to move, learn, and operate in the real world alongside real people. We’re not demoing it, we're shipping it. We’re excited to meet you, if this excites you.

If you’ve spent your career working on problems that matter and want to see them actually reach the world - this is that moment. We’re scaling, we’re hiring with intention, and we need people who want to build something that will genuinely change how humans spend their time safely creating abundance for all.

About the Team:

The Prototyping team turns industrial design concepts into physical models, mock-ups, and prototypes that help 1X evaluate form, finish, and product direction. Working closely with industrial designers and engineers, we bring ideas into the real world through hands‑on craftsmanship, technical skill, and attention to detail.

Your Charter:

Own the cosmetic finishing, painting, and detailed assembly of appearance models and physical mock‑ups, ensuring each model accurately represents the intended design direction. Your work will help the industrial design and engineering teams evaluate product form, surface quality, and visual details as we move NEO from concept to production.

Key Outcomes:

• Deliver high-quality appearance models and physical mock‑ups that meet defined design, finish, and quality expectations.
• Execute cosmetic hand finishing and painting across plastics, metals, and other model‑making materials, achieving consistent surface quality from high polish to fine matte.
• Complete detailed model assembly with precision, ensuring components fit correctly and finished models accurately represent design intent.
• Maintain consistent craftsmanship and repeatable finishing standards across multiple models, materials, and surface types.
• Collaborate with industrial designers, model makers, and engineers to resolve finish, assembly, and appearance challenges.
• Support the timely delivery of physical models for design reviews, product evaluations, and prototype development.

Key Competencies:

• Exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and pride in producing high‑quality physical work.
• Strong hands‑on finishing and painting skills, with the ability to achieve precise cosmetic results across different materials and surface conditions.
• Strong understanding of model‑making techniques, tools, materials, and assembly processes.
• Ability to translate design intent into accurate physical models and finished surfaces.
• Resourceful, hands‑on problem solver who can identify and resolve quality and finishing challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast‑paced

Minimum Requirements:

• 3–5 years of experience in product model making, finishing, painting, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with cosmetic hand finishing and painting of physical models or product prototypes.
• Proficiency in finishing plastics and metals across a range of surface types, from high polish to fine matte.
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed model assembly with precision and consistency.
• Strong craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
• A portfolio or samples demonstrating relevant model‑making, finishing, painting, and assembly work is required.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in an industrial design studio, product development environment, or prototyping lab.
• Experience with appearance models, industrial design mock‑ups, or consumer product prototypes.
• Familiarity with surface preparation, priming, sanding, polishing, masking, and paint application techniques.
• Experience working with a broad range of model‑making materials, adhesives, and hand tools.
• Ability to interpret CAD models, technical drawings, and industrial design references.

What does a successful 1X Team Member look like:

Team members at 1X who thrive here are builders. They move fast, own their work completely, and treat time like it’s the one thing you can’t get back - because it is. They say what they mean, finish what they start, and hold themselves to a standard before anyone has to ask. We push each other to be better, and we do it with honesty and respect.

Compensation Range:

$150,000 - $160,000 pear year + equity

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Compensation Range: $150K - $160K