Staff Engineer - Loads & Dynamics

About 1X

We’re building humanoid robots that work in home - doing the chores, handling the tasks, and giving people their time back. Simple, but it’s not.

To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, manufacturing - at the same time, at scale, in a form factor that has to be 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 we’re at the point where the hard problems are behind us and the hard work is in front of us.

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. We’re excited to meet you, if this excites you.

If you’ve spent your career working on problems that matter and want to see them actually reach the world - this is that moment. We’re scaling, we’re hiring with intention, and we need people who want to build something that will genuinely change how humans spend their time - safely creating abundance for all.

About the Team

The Structural Dynamics & Validation team ensures that NEO performs reliably, quietly, and safely in the real world. We combine advanced simulation, experimental testing, and cross-functional engineering to improve durability, structural integrity, vibration performance, and control stability across the robot platform.

Working at the intersection of mechanical engineering, controls, systems engineering, and hardware validation, the team plays a critical role in delivering robots that withstand demanding operating conditions while providing a refined user experience.

Your Charter

Own the structural dynamics and validation strategy for robotic subsystems by translating operational requirements into validated engineering models and test methodologies.

You will define the structural loading environment, develop simulation and experimental validation methods, and ensure hardware designs meet demanding requirements for shock, vibration, durability, acoustic performance, and control stability throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Outcomes

• Define statistically representative load cases that accurately model real-world robotic operating conditions

• Develop and maintain validated structural dynamics, shock, and vibration models that correlate with experimental test data

• Improve robot durability, NVH performance, and control stability through structural analysis and engineering recommendations

• Lead structural validation efforts including instrumentation, data acquisition, testing, model correlation, and reporting

• Identify, investigate, and resolve structural dynamics issues affecting vibration, acoustic noise, fatigue life, or system stability

• Partner with mechanical, controls, systems, and reliability engineers to continuously improve robot performance throughout development

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of structural dynamics, vibration analysis, modal behavior, and dynamic system response

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate physical testing into validated engineering models

• Expertise in experimental testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and model correlation

• Strong cross-functional collaboration with hardware, controls, systems, and manufacturing teams

• Ownership mindset with the ability to independently drive complex technical problems from investigation through resolution

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline

• Extensive experience in structural dynamics, vibration analysis, durability engineering, or mechanical validation

• Experience developing correlated analytical and experimental structural models

• Strong understanding of modal analysis, frequency response, shock, vibration, fatigue, and structural validation techniques

• Experience designing and executing instrumentation plans, test setups, and data acquisition campaigns

• Experience working with finite element analysis (FEA) and structural simulation tools

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional engineering decisions

Preferred Skills

• Experience working on robotic, automotive, aerospace, or other highly dynamic electromechanical systems

• Familiarity with acoustic noise reduction and advanced NVH optimization techniques

• Experience supporting controls teams through structural dynamics characterization and stability troubleshooting

• Exposure to fast-paced hardware development environments with rapid design iteration cycles

What does a successful 1X Team Member look 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—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.

Successful Structural Dynamics & Validation Engineers combine deep analytical expertise with a practical engineering mindset. They are equally comfortable building simulation models, instrumenting hardware, analyzing complex test data, and collaborating across disciplines to solve challenging system-level problems. They are driven by curiosity, rigor, and the pursuit of engineering excellence, ensuring every design performs reliably under real-world operating conditions.

Compensation Range

$207,000 – $253,000 + Equity

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

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, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.