Software Engineer, Robot Interaction

Since its founding in 2015, 1X has been at the forefront of developing advanced humanoid robots designed for household use. Our mission is to create an abundant supply of labor via safe, intelligent humanoids.

We strive for excellence in all we do, solving some of the hardest problems in robotics with the world’s most talented individuals. Every part of our robots is designed and produced in-house—from motor coils to AI—reflecting our vertically integrated approach. At 1X, you’ll own real projects, be recognized for your achievements, and rewarded based on merit.

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.

As we scale from research and development to full-scale manufacturing, we are looking for a Senior Robotics Software Engineer.  In this role, you’ll collaborate with teams working across software, hardware, firmware, AI, and production on a cutting edge humanoid robot. As part of the real time software team, your software will eventually run on thousands of robots worldwide. You’ll focus on real-time C++ development, efficient state estimation, and creating tools for system identification, hardware bring-up, and health monitoring. Candidates should have 3+ years in robotics, strong C++ expertise, Linux experience, and a passion for hands-on robotics.

Why this job is exciting

• You'll be on a team with a large set of responsibilities, requiring interaction with hardware, firmware, AI, platforms and production teams, all working towards building the world’s safest and most capable humanoid robot.

• In time, your software will run on 1000's of humanoids performing tasks in diverse environments, globally.

• You’ll be working with a 50+ DoF biped, with hands, all driven by motors we design and manufacture in-house. If this doesn’t excite you then 🤷

Responsibilities

• Own part of the software stack for the robot’s head — including ears, sensors, LEDs, and expressive output.

• Build communication between the head’s embedded systems and the main stack — via SPI, USB, or network protocols.

• Develop services and APIs to expose audio, light, and sensing to ML and behavior teams.

• Work with hardware teams during bring-up and testing — and help turn prototypes into robust, production-ready systems.

• Build tools for debugging, simulation, and integration across real and virtual robots.

• Strong software fundamentals and experience working across Linux and real-time systems.

• Comfortable building services and APIs — e.g. in Python, C++, or similar — that bridge hardware and behavior.

• Experience with real-time data (e.g. audio, streaming telemetry, control loops, etc.).

• Ability to collaborate across disciplines — from firmware and EE to ML and UX.

• Willingness to own awkward in-between problems — from flaky SPI to unexpected timing bugs in Python.

It will be nice if you had

• Familiarity with firmware bring-up and embedded interfaces (SPI, I2C, etc.) is a plus, but not the focus.

• Experience with audio input/output pipelines, synchronization, or low-latency messaging.

• Built internal tools or simulation environments for hardware/software co-development.

• Exposure to real-time messaging, or custom protocols in robotics.

• Interest in expressive machines and building systems that feel alive and reactive.

Location Policy

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.

Not sure if this is you?

If you’re excited about 1X and this role, but not sure if you qualify, apply anyway! You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

1X is an inclusive and equal-opportunity employer that values diversity. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don't hesitate to let us know during the interview process. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

We're excited to get to know you and the prospects of having you on board!