Prototype Technician

Hardware FYI; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

401(k) with match

FSA/HSA options

Commuter benefits

Disability and life insurance

EAP

Snacks and lunches

Job summary

1X is seeking a hands-on Prototyping Technician to join our Manufacturing team in San Carlos, CA. You’ll fabricate, assemble, and inspect 3D-printed prototypes for NEO, collaborating with engineers to translate CAD designs into physical parts and fixtures.

You’ll select materials, set print parameters, operate printers, and perform post-processing while maintaining a safe, organized workspace. You’ll troubleshoot builds and document results to drive design improvements.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, model making, or manufacturing.
• Ability to prepare, slice, set up, and troubleshoot builds using FDM/FFF or SLA.
• Working knowledge of a 3D CAD tool and the ability to interpret drawings and fits.
• Experience with calipers or similar inspection tools and accurate build records.
• Ability to work on-site in San Carlos, CA and communicate clearly with engineers.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, and inspect 3D-printed prototypes for NEO.
• Create or modify prototype parts and fixtures in CAD with engineers.
• Select materials and build parameters, prepare print files, operate printers, and post-process.
• Troubleshoot failed builds and document inspection results to drive design improvements.

Skills

Additive manufacturing execution

Practical design judgment

Methodical troubleshooting

Quality and ownership

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

Fusion 360

Job description

About 1X

We’re building humanoid robots that work in homes - doing the chores, handling the tasks, and giving people their time back. Simple, but it’s not.

To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, manufacturing - at the same time, at scale, in a form factor that has to be safe enough to live with your family. 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 home 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 want to work 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

Our Manufacturing | Hardware team turns engineering concepts into physical prototypes for NEO, our humanoid robot. Working closely with mechanical and manufacturing engineers, we use rapid prototyping to evaluate designs, resolve assembly issues, and improve how parts are made. Your work will help the team move from CAD to tested hardware quickly and reliably.

Your Charter

Own the day-to-day preparation, fabrication, and inspection of 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 the intended use, prepare print files, operate and maintain printers, and complete post-processing. Troubleshoot failed builds, inspect critical dimensions, and support assembly checks and functional testing. Turn those results into practical design and process improvements while maintaining a safe, organized prototyping workspace.

Key Outcomes

• Deliver labeled, inspected prototypes that meet engineer-defined dimensional, fit, and functional criteria on agreed schedules; flag deviations before parts enter assembly or testing.

• Improve first-pass build success and turnaround by tracking failures, testing process changes, and verifying the results.

• Keep printers ready for planned builds through calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and timely replenishment of materials and consumables.

• Make builds repeatable with revision-controlled CAD and print files, process settings, material records, and documented inspection results.

Key Competencies

• Additive manufacturing execution: prepare and monitor builds, manage the print queue, and balance part quality, turnaround, and material use.

• Practical design judgment: connect geometry, material properties, orientation, supports, and tolerances to a part’s intended function.

• Methodical troubleshooting: isolate equipment, material, and file-related causes of defects, verify fixes, and elevate issues beyond your training.

• Quality and ownership: inspect your work, maintain accurate records, communicate risks early, and coordinate priorities with engineers.

Minimum 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, and perform routine printer maintenance.

• Working knowledge of a 3D CAD tool, including basic part modifications, and the ability to interpret drawings, dimensions, and mechanical fits.

• Experience with calipers or similar inspection tools, basic post-processing and assembly, and accurate build and inspection records.

• Ability to work on-site in San Carlos, CA, follow equipment and material-handling procedures, and communicate clearly with engineers.

Preferred Skills

• 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; and fixture or assembly-aid design.

• Robotics, automotive, or aerospace prototyping experience; technical training in additive manufacturing, machining, or a related field.

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

$35–$45 per hour + 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.