Technical Lead, Mechanical Engineering

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 Technical Lead in Mechanical Engineering, you will architect and deliver the mechanical systems that define the performance of our humanoid robot’s joints and body structures. This hands-on leadership role combines deep technical execution with system-level ownership, guiding trade-offs and integration challenges. You will mentor a high-performing team, set engineering standards, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure robust, scalable, and manufacturable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and validate mechanical systems including joints, actuators, and structural assemblies

• Lead detailed mechanical design work, including 3D CAD, tolerance analysis, materials selection, and structural optimization

• Drive system-level trade studies to balance performance, weight, manufacturability, cost, and thermal considerations

• Guide integration of mechanical systems with actuators, sensors, electronics, and thermal components

• Oversee prototyping, validation, and iterative design improvements based on test data

• Establish design standards, processes, and documentation to support scalable product development

• Mentor, develop, and inspire a team of mechanical engineers working on critical subsystems

• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, electrical, and controls teams to ensure seamless integration

• Foster a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design for complex electro-mechanical systems

• Proven leadership experience in architecting and delivering large-scale mechanical systems

• Strong expertise in CAD design, tolerance analysis, and structural optimization

• Experience with system-level trade studies and decision-making across performance, cost, and manufacturability constraints

• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical systems

• Ability to mentor and lead high-performing engineering teams

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills across disciplines

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $165,760 – $316,875

• 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.