Materials Engineer, Alloys

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

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.