Soft Materials Engineer / Scientist / Tinkerer - Robot Hands Team

ㅘ; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in robotics is seeking a Materials Engineer to innovate and develop advanced materials for robotic hands. The role involves testing materials, refining manufacturing processes, and collaborating with design teams. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in materials science and experience in prototyping. This position requires in-person presence in Palo Alto, CA, and offers the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in materials science with hands-on experience in prototyping.
• Proven track record of designing materials for mass manufacturing.
• Experience with integrating electronics into soft materials.

Responsibilities

• Identify and test advanced materials for robotic hands.
• Rapidly develop manufacturing processes for mass production.
• Collaborate with design teams for seamless integration.

Skills

Materials Science

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Degree in Materials Science or related field

Tools

3D Printing

Molding

Casting

Job description

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Since its founding in 2015, 1X has been at the forefront of developing advanced humanoid robots designed for household use. Our mission is to create an abundant supply of labor via safe, intelligent humanoids.

We strive for excellence in all we do, solving some of the hardest problems in robotics with the world’s most talented individuals. Every part of our robots is designed and produced in-house—from motor coils to AI—reflecting our vertically integrated approach. At 1X, you’ll own real projects, be recognized for your achievements, and rewarded based on merit.

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.

We are seeking a Materials Wizard to join our Hands Team. This role is ideal for an inventive engineer who thrives on designing groundbreaking systems from a blank sheet of paper and driving them through to scalable production. You will play a critical role in shaping the dexterity, precision, and durability of robotic hands, enabling our robots to perform advanced real-world tasks.

Responsibilities

• Identify and test advanced materials—including soft polymers, composites, and emerging alloys—to achieve near-human performance in robotic hands.
• Rapidly develop and refine manufacturing processes (casting, molding, polymer processing) to enable mass production.
• Translate rough concepts into prototype components, iterating quickly based on rigorous experiments and feedback.
• Collaborate with mechanical design and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of materials and components.
• Stay current with new materials and processing methods to push the boundaries of robotic hand capabilities.
• Strong fundamentals in materials science or related field, with hands-on experience in prototyping and testing.
• Proven track record of designing and transitioning materials from lab-scale to mass manufacturing.
• Experience with integrating electronics into the soft materials
• Familiarity with molding, casting, 3D printing, or other volume-production methods.
• First-principles thinker who excels at rapid problem-solving and thrives under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with a demanding, fast-moving team.
  
  
  

Nice to Have

• Whenever you touch an object with an interesting material your brain thinks properties, compounds, and how it has been created.
  
  
  

Location Policy

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.

Typical interview process

• Introductions - interviews to learn more about you and talk about 1X and the role
• Interview with a member of the Talent Acquisition team
• Hiring manager / senior team member / technical interview
• Team interviews - technical interviews and deep-dives with team members. May include a take home challenge, presentation or problem-solving exercise
• Technical deep-dive conversation with a team member
• Onsite interviews with team members
• Final stages - you move to the final round
• Expectation management with the hiring manager
• We will conduct reference checks
• Job offer conversation
  
  
  

Depending on the role and your background, additional interviews may be added. You are also welcome to request additional conversations with anyone you would like to meet, but didn’t get to meet during the interview process.

We are a value driven team

These are the ideas that express our team’s culture and how we work:

Be Nice

Collaboration is our driving force. Our team creates an open, trusting environment where everyone can be their most creative.

Stay Smart

A world-changing team needs the brightest minds in every discipline. This is where people come to work, learn, and grow to their full potential.

Make History

Everything we do gets us closer to one ambitious vision: Creating an Abundant Supply of Labor using Safe, Intelligent Humanoids. We believe what we build today will impact generations.

We are an inclusive environment and value diversity of background, experiences and thought, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to contribute to our mission.

We're excited to get to know you and the prospects of having you on board!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

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