Lead Quality Engineer

Lead Quality Engineer | Manufacturing
Location: Hayward, CA (on‑site)

About 1X
We’re an AI and robotics company based in Palo Alto, California, on a mission to build a truly abundant society through general‑purpose robots capable of performing any kind of work autonomously.
We believe that to truly understand the world and grow in intelligence, humanoid robots must live and learn alongside us. That’s why we’re focused on developing friendly home robots designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday life.
We’re looking for curious, driven, and passionate people who want to help shape the future of robotics and AI. If this mission excites you, we’d be thrilled to hear from you and explore how you might contribute to our journey.

Role Overview
As Lead Quality Engineer, you will define and lead quality strategy across suppliers, production, final product inspection, and field performance. You will help build and scale the quality infrastructure needed to ensure product reliability and consistency as 1X moves from R&D into full‑scale manufacturing, and provide technical leadership in quality during NPI (New Product Introduction) and ramp‑up phases.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical leader for quality across supplier, in‑process, end‑of‑line, and field performance

• Define and implement incoming inspection, in‑line quality checks, and final test standards

• Develop processes for non‑conformance handling, root cause analysis, and corrective actions

• Establish quality metrics such as first‑pass yield (FPY), defects per million parts (DPPM), escapes, and implement reporting systems across production sites

• Build out internal quality systems and prepare for certifications and audits

• Partner with Supply Chain to qualify suppliers and manage their quality performance

• Collaborate with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering to resolve quality issues on the line and improve process capability

• Develop and deliver training programs for production teams on quality standards and defect detection

• Act as the quality representative in New Product Introduction builds and ramp readiness reviews

• Maintain strong feedback loops between field/service issues and internal quality systems

• Extensive experience in quality engineering, preferably in high‑volume or precision manufacturing

• Track record leading supplier quality management and incoming, in‑process, and final inspection systems

• Strong skills in root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action (CAPA), and non‑conformance handling

• Experience defining and tracking key quality metrics, and implementing quality reporting systems

• Familiarity with certifications and audits (e.g. ISO, etc.) and readiness of internal quality systems

• Proven collaboration with operations, manufacturing engineering, and supply chain functions

• Ability to develop and deliver quality training programs to technical and production teams

• Experience acting in quality leadership roles in NPI / ramp‑up phases of product development

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $165,000 - $205,000

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

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, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.