Robotics Materials Lead: Lighter, Stronger, Safer

1x.tech; San Carlos, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 237,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical dental vision

Paid time off

401(k) match

FSA/HSA options

Commuter benefits

Disability & life

Employee assistance

Onsite meals

Job summary

1X is hiring for a senior materials leader to drive material selection, qualification, and supplier strategy for NEO, our flagship humanoid robot. You will build and lead the materials team and lab capabilities to enable fast material iterations alongside robot development.

You will own the roadmap for light-weight, durable, and cost-effective materials, collaborating with design, manufacturing, and safety to ensure scalable production and reliable performance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in materials science or materials engineering.
• Proven track record of qualifying materials into high-volume production.
• Experience with fatigue, impact, and environmental testing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships for specialized or hard-to-source materials.
• Advanced degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Own materials selection, qualification, and supplier strategy for NEO.
• Build the team and lab capability to iterate on materials as fast as robots iterate.
• Lead material specification and qualification plans for structures, elastomers, and thermal interfaces.
• Collaborate with mechanical design, manufacturing, and safety partners on material decisions.

Skills

Tech leadership

Materials science

Supplier management

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

1X is hiring for a senior materials leader to drive material selection, qualification, and supplier strategy for NEO, our flagship humanoid robot. You will build and lead the materials team and lab capabilities to enable fast material iterations alongside robot development.

You will own the roadmap for light-weight, durable, and cost-effective materials, collaborating with design, manufacturing, and safety to ensure scalable production and reliable performance.