Manufacturing Engineer, Hands
We’re building humanoid robots that work in home—doing the chores, handling the tasks, and giving people their time back. To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, and manufacturing simultaneously, at scale, in a form factor safe enough to live with your family. If you’re inspired by this, you’ll thrive here. We’ve been at this since 2014 and are now at the stage where the hard problems are behind us and the hard work is ahead. NEO is our flagship—a home robot designed to move, learn, and operate in the real world alongside real people. We’re not demoing it; we’re shipping it.
About the Team
The Hands Manufacturing group transforms visionary engineering into scalable, highly reliable hardware. We architect the foundational processes and complex systems for the planet’s most sophisticated humanoid hands, writing the production playbook as we go. Our team operates with extreme velocity, a relentless focus on detail, and zero ego. By partnering deeply with cross-functional peers, we dismantle ambiguity to turn the impossible into tangible reality.
Responsibilities
- Build the manufacturing systems that bring 1X robots to scale. Own critical processes from prototype through production, developing robust machining, assembly, inspection, and validation methods that improve quality, throughput, and repeatability.
- Own manufacturing readiness for hand assemblies from prototype through production ramp.
- Improve first-pass yield and process capability while reducing variation, scrap, and rework.
- Own cycle time, throughput, and cost for assigned manufacturing stations.
- Develop and release qualified tooling, fixtures, gauges, and stations with validated processes and controls.
- Drive manufacturing issues to root cause and implement durable corrective actions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years with a Bachelor’s or 3+ years with a Master’s in manufacturing engineering for mechanical or electromechanical products.
- Hands-on experience developing precision assembly processes from prototype through production and sustaining.
- Proficiency with CAD, drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis, tooling/fixture design, DFM/DFA, and statistical process validation.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot manufacturing issues to root cause and implement production-ready controls and corrective actions.
Skills
- Hands-on process builder who works directly with technicians to build, measure, and iterate.
- Data-driven decision maker using capability, yield, and inspection data to solve ambiguous problems.
- Strong DFM and DFA instincts with the ability to influence product design for manufacturability.
- End-to-end owner who drives processes from concept through qualified production.
- Clear cross-functional communicator across design, quality, supply chain, suppliers, and production.
Preferred Skills
- Experience manufacturing robots, actuators, or other high-complexity electromechanical assemblies.
- Experience scaling a low-volume, high-mix process into repeatable higher-volume production using lean manufacturing, line balancing, automation, and traceability systems.
- Experience partnering with suppliers and contract manufacturers on process feasibility, tooling reviews, first-article builds, and production readiness.
What a Successful 1X Team Member Looks Like
Team members at 1X who thrive here are builders. They move fast, own their work completely, and treat time like it’s the one thing you can’t get back. They say what they mean, finish what they start, and hold themselves to a standard before anyone has to ask. We push each other to be better, and we do it with honesty and respect.
Pay
$148,000 - $181,000
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
- 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options
- Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
- Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance