Supplier Development Engineer, PCB & PCBA

Supplier Development Engineer, PCB & PCBA | Supply Chain
Location: Hayward, CA (on-site)

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 Supplier Development Engineer to lead the qualification and development of suppliers for printed circuit boards (PCBs), PCB assemblies (PCBAs), and cable/harness systems. In this role, you will ensure critical interconnect components meet the rigorous quality standards needed for our advanced humanoid robots, playing a key part in their global scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Partner with engineering and sourcing teams to select suppliers based on manufacturing capabilities for PCBs, PCB assemblies, and cable/harness assemblies

• Collaborate with suppliers on DFM/DFT reviews for PCBAs and harnesses, ensuring manufacturability and exploring new production techniques (e.g. crimping, overmolding, pull/continuity testing)

• Lead the supplier industrialization process from design through production ramp-up for board-level and interconnect systems

• Support suppliers with tooling, fixtures, equipment, and process qualifications for SMT and cable/harness assembly

• Assess supplier readiness for vehicle builds and manage production risk across PCB and wiring interconnect supply chains

• Drive the APQP process and support PPAP through the start of production

• Train suppliers on 1X’s quality systems and review part quality documentation (control plans, PFMEA, inspection criteria, IPC/WHMA-A-620 compliance)

• Lead root cause and corrective action efforts for supplier quality issues on both electronic boards and cable/harness assemblies

• Monitor and report supplier quality metrics to ensure ongoing improvement in yield, reliability, and delivery

• Apply lean and quality tools (Six Sigma, 8D, SPC) to drive continuous improvement across the supply base

• Travel up to 40%, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or a related engineering field

• 6+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or supplier development, ideally in automotive, aerospace, or medical devices

• Hands-on experience launching new products and improving quality systems for PCB/PCBA and harness/cable assemblies

• Skilled in problem-solving methods like Six Sigma, 8D, and root cause analysis

• Proficiency with quality tools such as FMEAs, control plans, SPC, MSA, capability studies, and harness-specific standards (IPC/WHMA-A-620 preferred)

• Strong experience with supplier audits, APQP, PPAP, and production ramp-ups

• Understanding of PCB fabrication, SMT processes, and wire harness assembly (crimping, overmolding, continuity and pull testing)

• Ability to read engineering drawings and use GD&T; knowledge of ISO 9000 and IATF 16949 quality systems

• Certifications like CQE, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Quality Auditor are a plus

• Experience with tooling and fixture validation is a plus

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Google Workspace experience is a plus

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $133,000 – $195,000

• 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.