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.

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