Tech Lead, Manufacturing and Service Tools

1X; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A robotics company in California is seeking a Tech Lead to design and develop tools for manufacturing humanoid robots. Candidates should possess strong Linux skills and experience in robotics tools development. The position requires collaboration in person to enhance the development process, making it essential for candidates to work on-site. Competitive candidates will have a strong background in interfacing with hardware and architecting maintainable systems.

Qualifications

• Experience leading development of tools for robotics or hardware-heavy systems.
• Strong Linux background with scripting and low-level tooling experience.
• Comfortable interfacing with hardware and coordinating across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of manufacturing tools.
• Define and drive the internal tooling roadmap.
• Coordinate with hardware and firmware teams.
• Build systems for lab and factory use.
• Own traceability and debug infrastructure.

Skills

Linux scripting

Robotics tools development

Interfacing with hardware

System architecting

Job description

Tech Lead, Manufacturing and Service Tools

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.

Overview

Why this job is exciting: Join a team with a large set of responsibilities spanning hardware, firmware, AI, platforms, and production, all working toward building the world’s safest and most capable humanoid robot. Over time, your software will run on thousands of humanoids performing tasks in diverse environments globally. You’ll be working with a 50+ DoF biped with hands, driven by motors designed and manufactured in-house.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of tools used in manufacturing, calibration, testing, and service.
• Define and drive the roadmap for internal tooling that supports factory workflows and field diagnostics.
• Coordinate closely with hardware, firmware, and ops teams to ensure seamless bring-up and validation flows.
• Build systems that scale from lab prototype to factory line — and that are usable by technicians, not just engineers.
• Own traceability, logging, and debug infrastructure across the full product lifecycle.
• Experience leading development of tools that support robotics, embedded, or hardware-heavy systems.
• Strong Linux background — can dive deep into system behavior, scripting, and low-level tools.
• Comfortable interfacing with real hardware.
• Ability to architect robust, maintainable systems that simplify complex operations.
• Proven ability to work across disciplines — aligning engineering, operations, and field needs into practical solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience leading development of tools for robotics, embedded, or hardware-heavy systems.
• Strong Linux background with scripting and low-level tooling experience.
• Comfortable interfacing with real hardware and coordinating across hardware, firmware, and operations teams.
• Ability to design scalable, maintainable systems that support factory and field use.

Nice-to-have

• Background in calibration systems, factory bring-up, or automated test stations.
• Experience building simple, reliable UIs (CLI, local web, or desktop) for production use.
• Familiar with tracking and storing test data, logs, and metrics across devices and builds.
• Exposure to OTA updates, provisioning flows, or service tools for deployed hardware.
• Worked with CM partners or internal factories to scale tools beyond the engineering bench.

Location policy

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

Candidate notes

If you’re excited about 1X and this role, but not sure if you qualify, apply anyway! You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

1X is an inclusive and equal-opportunity employer that values diversity. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don’t hesitate to let us know during the interview process. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

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

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Other

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