Tooling & Prototype Engineer – Lithium-Ion Battery Systems

Target start date: Immediately. 

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. 

We are seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Tooling & Prototype Engineer to support the development and validation of next-generation Lithium-Ion battery systems. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, fabricating, and managing tools, jigs, fixtures, and prototype assemblies used during battery pack development, testing, and pre-production.

You will work closely with battery design, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to accelerate the path from concept to production, ensuring repeatability, safety, and efficiency throughout the prototyping lifecycle.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and fabricate tooling, fixtures, and jigs for cell assembly, welding, alignment, compression, and enclosure integration.

• Build and maintain prototype battery packs, subassemblies, and test samples for design validation and functional testing.

• Support pack assembly, teardown, and rework operations, including cell tab welding, thermal interface materials, insulation, and sensor integration.

• Implement DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback to improve tooling and simplify future production processes.

• Collaborate with hardware engineers to identify and resolve mechanical integration or alignment issues during builds.

• Operate and maintain shop equipment including CNC mills, 3D printers, laser cutters, and hand tools.

• Source materials and work with vendors for fabrication and outsourced part delivery.

• Support battery test setups, including thermal, vibration, and electrical validation environments.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; or equivalent hands-on experience.

• Experience in tooling, prototyping, or mechanical fixture design, preferably in battery systems or electronics.

• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Creo) for mechanical design and rapid iteration.

• Strong hands-on fabrication skills (machining, additive manufacturing, fasteners, adhesives, etc.).

• Familiarity with lithium-ion cell formats (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch) and common pack assembly methods.

• Ability to read electrical schematics and interpret battery build documentation.
  

Nice to have

• Experience working in battery labs, cleanrooms, or high-voltage environments.

• Knowledge of battery safety, short-circuit protection, and ESD precautions.

• Exposure to thermal and structural simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) for early-stage prototype assessment.

• Experience supporting low- to medium-volume manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with spot welding, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding of battery interconnects.
  

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