Supplier Development Engineer - Diecasting

About the role

We’re building humanoid robots that work in homes, performing chores and freeing people's time. Our flagship product, NEO, is designed to move, learn, and work alongside families. We’ve been at this since 2014, and now we’re scaling up. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team making a real difference.

About The Team

The Supply Chain team at 1X is responsible for building and scaling the global supplier network that powers our humanoid robots. We work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to bring highly complex electromechanical systems from concept to mass production.

Your Charter

As the Supplier Development Engineer for Die Casting, you will own supplier industrialization and quality readiness for structural components that form the foundation of NEO’s mechanical architecture. You will work closely with engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing partners to develop robust casting, machining, and finishing processes that deliver lightweight, high-strength components at scale while meeting 1X’s quality, cost, and production targets.

Key Outcomes

• Successfully industrialize new suppliers for die castings, machined components, sheet metal, extrusions, and structural assemblies from prototype through production ramp.
• Establish and maintain supplier processes that consistently achieve dimensional, cosmetic, and functional quality requirements.
• Drive APQP and PPAP execution to ensure production readiness and successful product launches.
• Reduce supplier quality escapes through proactive risk management, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Improve supplier capability, yield, and process performance through continuous improvement initiatives and manufacturing best practices.

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of aluminum and magnesium die casting processes, tooling design, and process controls.
• Strong knowledge of machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, heat treatment, coatings, and surface finishing processes.
• Expertise in GD&T, metrology methods, dimensional analysis, and process capability evaluation.
• Strong supplier development and industrialization experience within high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills utilizing Six Sigma, 8D, statistical analysis, and structured root cause methodologies.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, supplier development, or manufacturing engineering within automotive, aerospace, robotics, medical device, or similar industries.
• Experience supporting castings, machined components, sheet metal, or structural assemblies through product development and production launch.
• Strong working knowledge of FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, capability studies, GD&T, and production quality systems.
• Ability to travel up to 40% domestically and internationally, including occasional short-notice travel.

Preferred Skills

• Direct experience with aluminum or magnesium die casting supplier development and process qualification.
• Experience with lightweight structural design, design-for-manufacturing (DFM), and design-for-assembly (DFA) principles.
• Experience auditing suppliers against ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or equivalent quality management systems.
• Professional certifications such as CQE, Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, or Certified Quality Auditor.
• Experience validating tooling, fixtures, automation equipment, and production manufacturing systems.