Robotics Controls and Testing Engineer

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 a Robotics Controls and Testing Engineer, you will help scale robot systems from research and development into manufacturing and large‑scale deployment by validating and enhancing control systems. You will work at the intersection of software, hardware, and systems integration. This hands‑on role involves designing, building, and executing test frameworks to verify control algorithms, evaluate hardware performance, and validate system‑level behaviors in real‑world environments. Your work will directly impact safety, reliability, consistency, and scalability of humanoid robots.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans for robot control algorithms, hardware integration, and overall system performance

• Design and maintain hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and simulation‑based testing setups

• Support system identification, calibration, and validation of actuators, sensors, and transmissions

• Build tools for logging, visualization, monitoring, and debugging robot control performance

• Ensure smooth integration of controls with hardware and higher‑level software components

• Document test processes, results, and best practices to ensure scalability and repeatability

• Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent industrial experience

• Solid foundation in rigid body dynamics, linear algebra, and control theory

• Basic programming skills in C++ or Python

• Comfortable working in a Linux development environment

• Exposure to modern software development practices including version control, testing, and documentation

• Excellent engineering skills and practices

• Curiosity and strong intuition for how controls impact robot behavior

• Desire to be hands‑on with both hardware and software

• Willingness to take ownership of projects and grow in scope

• Perseverance, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset

Preferred / Nice‑to‑Have

• Experience with real‑time Linux

• Embedded programming experience (C for microcontrollers, sensor/actuator interfacing)

• Experience in building and running hardware test setups, and in documenting them

• Work on robotics projects outside of coursework (e.g. personal projects, competitions, hobby builds)

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.