Materials Lab Associate, Prototyping

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 & Prototyping Lab Associate to join our research and development team. In this creative, hands-on role, you’ll work at the intersection of materials science, physics, and robotics, supporting the development of next-generation materials and processes for humanoid robots. You will collaborate closely with Ph.D. scientists and cross-functional engineering teams to prepare samples, conduct experiments, and support materials discovery and rapid prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, mix, and process materials including polymers, resins, adhesives, coatings, and textiles using lab-scale mixing, roll mill processing, compounding, molding, and curing equipment

• Conduct wet chemistry experiments such as functionalization, solution blending, polymerization, surface treatments, and solvent casting

• Support scientists in designing and executing experiments that reveal new structure-property relationships and functional performance

• Characterize materials using mechanical, thermal, and microscopic analyses and organize data for review

• Operate and maintain FDM, SLA/DLP, and SLS 3D printers, optimizing print quality and part consistency

• Fabricate fixtures, jigs, and prototype assemblies for testing and development

• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and materials teams to support rapid, iterative prototyping cycles

• Maintain chemical inventory, MSDS documentation, and EHS compliance for materials labs

• Ensure proper PPE use, fume hood operation, and waste-handling procedures are followed

• Keep lab instruments calibrated and workspaces organized for accuracy and reproducibility

• Support a culture of safety, discipline, and continuous improvement within the materials lab

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related field

• 1–3 years of hands-on R&D laboratory experience (academic, industrial, or prototype lab)

• Experience working in wet chemistry environments, including safe handling of solvents, polymers, and resins

• Familiarity with 3D printing processes (FDM, SLA/DLP) and slicing/CAD tools

• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort assembling and testing small parts or prototypes

• Familiarity with EHS systems and chemical hygiene programs

• Excellent documentation, communication, and organizational skills

• A self-starter who is curious, proactive, and takes ownership in supporting the success of the Materials team

• Experience with materials characterization tools (tensile testers, rheometers, thermal analyzers, microscopes)

• Background in polymer, composite, or coating process development

• CAD design experience (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape) for prototyping and fixture design

• Experience with rapid prototyping using polymers, including part finishing and iterative design

• Exposure to robotics, mechatronics, or advanced manufacturing environments

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.