Staff Mechatronics Engineer – Robot Hands Team

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 seeking a Staff Mechatronics Engineer to join our Hands Team. This role is for an exceptional systems thinker who thrives at the intersection of mechanics, electronics, actuators, and control systems, designing robotic hands that push beyond the limitations of traditional robotics and move toward human-level dexterity and performance.

You will be responsible for designing, building, and testing next-generation robotic hands, where the standard isn’t other robots—it’s human capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop highly integrated mechatronic systems, seamlessly combining mechanical structures, actuators, sensors, and electronics into high-performance robotic hands.

• Design, prototype, and iterate on robotic components from first principles, optimizing for size, weight, power, and manufacturability.

• Engineer custom actuation systems, novel transmission mechanisms, and real-time control loops.

• Develop and integrate high-performance sensing systems, including force/torque sensors, and tactile sensors.

• Write low-level firmware and control software to drive actuators and process sensor feedback with ultra-low latency and high precision.

• Work in rapid development cycles, iterating hardware and software simultaneously, with a focus on fast results and continuous improvement.

• Validate designs through rigorous testing, developing custom test setups to benchmark performance against human-level capabilities.

• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI teams, ensuring seamless integration into the broader robotic platform.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of robotic systems, including hardware, sensors, embedded software, and control loops.

• Strong intuition for control loops, with hands-on experience designing and tuning real-time control systems.

• Hands-on prototyping, both in hardware (machining, 3D printing, rapid assembly) and software (firmware, control algorithms, signal processing).

• Experience designing high-performance mechatronic systems, ideally in robotics, automation, or exoskeletons.

• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks) and FEA tools for designing and analyzing complex mechanical structures.

• Embedded programming experience (C/C++ or Python) for real-time control systems.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of tackling complex, multidisciplinary challenges.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience designing biomimetic or human-like mechanical systems, such as robotic hands, prosthetics, or exoskeletons.

• Knowledge of sensor fusion, signal processing, and feedback control strategies for high-precision motion.

• Familiarity with miniaturized actuators, novel transmission systems, and soft robotics.

• Experience with AI-driven control systems, including reinforcement learning and adaptive control techniques.

Location Policy

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

Typical interview process 

• Introductions - interviews to learn more about you and talk about 1X and the role

  • Interview with a member of the Talent Acquisition team

  • Hiring manager / senior team member / technical interview

• Team interviews - technical interviews and deep-dives with team members. May include a take home challenge, presentation or problem-solving exercise

  • Technical deep-dive conversation with a team member 

  • Onsite interviews with team members 

• Final stages - you move to the final round

  • Expectation management with the hiring manager 

  • We will conduct reference checks

  • Job offer conversation 

Depending on the role and your background, additional interviews may be added. You are also welcome to request additional conversations with anyone you would like to meet, but didn’t get to meet during the interview process.

We are a value driven team
These are the ideas that express our team’s culture and how we work:

Be Nice

Collaboration is our driving force. Our team creates an open, trusting environment where everyone can be their most creative.

Stay Smart

A world-changing team needs the brightest minds in every discipline. This is where people come to work, learn, and grow to their full potential.

Make History

Everything we do gets us closer to one ambitious vision: Creating an Abundant Supply of Labor using Safe, Intelligent Humanoids. We believe what we build today will impact generations.

We are an inclusive environment and value diversity of background, experiences and thought, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to contribute to our mission.

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