Supplier Development Engineer- Motors and Magnets

About the role

We’re building humanoid robots that work in homes, performing chores and freeing people's time. Our goal is ambitious: to solve robotics, AI, and manufacturing challenges at scale, in a safe form factor. We’ve been at this since 2014, and now we’re focusing on bringing our flagship product, NEO, to market. NEO is a home robot designed to move, learn, and work alongside families. We’re scaling up, hiring strategically, and looking for people who want to make 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 collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to bring complex electromechanical systems from concept to mass production.

Your Charter

As the Supplier Development Engineer for Motors & Magnets, you will ensure our critical suppliers are capable, scalable, and ready for rapid product development and production growth. Your work directly impacts product performance, reliability, and our ability to ramp NEO at scale.

• Successfully industrialize new motor and magnet suppliers from design validation through production ramp-up.
• Establish and maintain supplier processes that consistently achieve quality, reliability, and performance targets for motion system components.
• Drive APQP and PPAP execution to support successful product launches and production readiness.
• Reduce supplier quality escapes through proactive risk identification, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Improve supplier performance through measurable gains in quality, process capability, delivery readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of motor manufacturing processes including winding, rotor/stator assembly, balancing, bearing integration, and final testing.
• Experience working with permanent magnets, magnetic assemblies, bonding processes, and related manufacturing controls.
• Strong supplier development and industrialization experience in complex manufacturing environments.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities utilizing Six Sigma, 8D, statistical analysis, and structured root cause methodologies.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and external suppliers while driving accountability and execution.

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 leading supplier industrialization efforts, APQP activities, and PPAP approval processes through 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 electric motor manufacturing, magnetic assemblies, actuators, or motion control systems.
• Knowledge of electronics, battery systems, sensors, and electromechanical assembly processes.
• 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 test systems.