Manufacturing Process Engineer, Hands

About the role

Own the processes that turn 1X robotic hands from prototypes into repeatable, high-yield production. You will develop, qualify, and sustain the assembly and test processes behind the planet's most complex robotic hands, defining critical process parameters, proving capability with data, and locking in the controls that keep quality stable build over build. Many of these processes do not exist yet. You will prototype methods on the floor, run the experiments, find the real root cause when things fail, and convert what works into documented, controlled, transferable production systems. The standard is high, the feedback is physical, and no one is above picking up a tool. Your work directly determines the yield, cost, and scalability of every hand 1X ships.

Key Outcomes

• Own assembly process development and sustaining from prototype builds through production ramp.
• Develop and qualify processes, fixtures, and test methods using DOE, MSA/GR&R, and capability studies.
• Improve first-pass yield, process capability, cycle time, OEE, and cost while reducing variation, scrap, and rework.
• Drive defects and process excursions to root cause, implement durable corrective actions, and manage production transfer and process changes.
• Influence product and process design through DFM, DFA, DFT, tolerance analysis, and mistake-proofing.

Key Competencies

• Hands-on process builder who prototypes and improves manufacturing methods directly on the production floor.
• Data-driven engineer skilled in DOE, SPC, capability, yield, OEE, and reliability analysis.
• Structured problem solver who resolves ambiguous issues quickly and implements lasting controls.
• Strong DFM/DFA/DFT and tolerance-analysis instincts, with the ability to influence design early.
• End-to-end owner and clear communicator who drives processes from concept through qualified production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, 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 and sustaining complex assembly processes from prototype through production.
• Proficiency with DOE, SPC, MSA/GR&R, process capability, statistical quality tools, and manufacturing data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with structured root cause analysis, DFM/DFA/DFT, tolerance analysis, and measurable process improvement.

Preferred Skills

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Experience developing processes for robotic hands, compact actuators, or other high complexity, tight tolerance electromechanical assemblies.
• Experience with automated assembly, machine vision, precision dispense, fastening, joining, or end-of-line test.
• Experience with MES or manufacturing traceability systems.
• Experience scaling a low volume, high mix process into repeatable higher volume production using lean manufacturing, line balancing, and automation.

About the Team

The Hands Manufacturing group transforms visionary engineering into scalable, highly reliable hardware. We are architecting the foundational processes and complex systems for the planet’s most sophisticated humanoid hands and authoring 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 make the impossible a tangible reality.

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—because it is. 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.

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
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support
• Onsite snacks and catered lunches

Pay

Compensation Range: $148,000 - $181,000