Materials Engineer, Alloys
No company, no research institute has ever managed to build a robot hand that comes anywhere close to human level dexterity. We invite you to be part of making this breakthrough happen.
Job description
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 We are seeking a Materials Engineer – Alloys with expertise in aluminum, magnesium, and steel to join our hardware team. This role is ideal for a hands-on researcher and engineer with a passion for alloy development, advanced processing, and materials characterization. You will work on translating innovative alloy concepts from lab development through processing and into high-volume manufacturing. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the mechanical, corrosion, and reliability performance of our humanoid robots.
Responsibilities
Identify, evaluate, optimize, and qualify aluminum, magnesium, and steel alloys for robotic structural and functional applications
Conduct metallography, failure analysis, and microstructural characterization using techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM, and XRD
Design and execute mechanical, corrosion, and environmental testing to validate alloy performance
Collaborate with manufacturing and suppliers to scale alloy processes from lab to high-volume production
Contribute to QA/QC test plans and inspection methods to ensure consistent material quality
Support manufacturing design and troubleshooting for processes including casting, forging, machining, welding, and additive manufacturing
Stay informed on advances in aluminum and magnesium alloys and surface finishing techniques to expand material capabilities
Job requirements
Requirements
PhD or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or a related field
Hands-on experience with alloy processing methods such as casting, forging, extrusion, or additive manufacturing
Strong background in microstructural characterization and understanding of property-processing relationships
First-principles thinker with excellent problem-solving skills
Effective communicator and collaborator across cross-functional teams
Exposure to corrosion testing, coatings, or surface finishing
Familiarity with QA/QC systems and supplier quality management
Background in robotics, aerospace, or automotive alloys
Practical skills in CAD and custom equipment/tooling design
Benefits & Compensation
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.
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- Palo Alto, California, United States
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