Mechanical Engineer
1X is hiring a Mechanical Engineer . It pays $150k-$176k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on 1X.
Level's read on this job
- Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
- Tools and skills the posting cites include CAD, mechanical design and rapid prototyping.
- Level classifies it as a mid-level role.
- Level lists 99 other open roles at 1X.
AI in this role
Design and deliver mechanical systems and hardware for humanoid robotics from concept to production.
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 TeamThe Hardware Engineering team designs and develops the mechanical systems that enable NEO to move, manipulate, and operate safely in the real world. From precision mechanisms and structural components to integrated electromechanical assemblies, we transform ambitious concepts into reliable, manufacturable products.
Our engineers work closely with robotics, electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, and operations teams to rapidly prototype, validate, and scale hardware that performs under demanding real-world conditions.
Your CharterDesign and deliver the mechanical systems that bring humanoid robots from concept to production.
You will own mechanical components and assemblies throughout the product lifecycle—from early design and prototyping through testing, validation, and manufacturing. Working across disciplines, you'll develop robust, manufacturable hardware that balances performance, durability, cost, and scalability while supporting rapid product iteration.
Your work will directly shape the reliability, functionality, and manufacturability of the next generation of 1X robots.
Key OutcomesDesign and release mechanical components and electromechanical assemblies that meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements
Deliver prototype and production-ready hardware through rapid design, testing, and iterative development cycles
Improve product performance by applying engineering analysis, validation testing, and data-driven design decisions
Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and cost optimization throughout product development
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve technical challenges and support production readiness
Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with the ability to design practical, high-performance hardware
Hands-on engineering mindset with experience building, testing, and refining physical prototypes
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound engineering trade-offs
Excellent collaboration skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams
High attention to detail with a commitment to delivering reliable, production-ready designs
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline
1-2+ Experience designing mechanical systems, mechanisms, or electromechanical assemblies in a product development environment
Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX, CATIA, or similar
Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, manufacturing processes, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
Hands-on experience prototyping, assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and improving mechanical hardware
Experience applying engineering analysis methods including FEA, first-principles calculations, or validation testing
Familiarity with robotic hardware such as actuators, gear trains, bearings, sensors, cable routing, or related electromechanical systems
Experience creating engineering drawings, BOMs, specifications, and engineering change documentation
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
Experience developing robotic, consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, or other electromechanical products
Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, injection molding, die casting, or additive manufacturing
Experience supporting products from prototype development through production ramp
Knowledge of reliability testing, failure analysis, and root-cause investigations
Experience collaborating with suppliers and contract manufacturers
Familiarity with PLM systems and engineering change management processes
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 Mechanical Engineers at 1X combine strong engineering fundamentals with a bias toward execution. They enjoy solving difficult multidisciplinary problems, learning from hardware through rapid iteration, and taking ownership from initial concepts through production. They understand that the best designs are those that perform reliably in the real world and can be manufactured at scale.
Benefits & CompensationSalary Range: $145,250 - $175,950 + Equity
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
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, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
How we rate this
Mechanical Engineer at 1X rates 20 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Little AI. AI is not part of the work.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where mechanical design was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where rapid prototyping was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where electromechanical systems was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where manufacturing was part of your work. What did you do?
- Walk me through how you've used CAD in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Mechanical Design, Rapid Prototyping, Electromechanical Systems, Manufacturing, and CAD. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
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