Prototype Technician
1X is hiring a Prototype Technician. It pays $35-$45/hr 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.
- The posting mentions 3d Printers, CAD and rapid prototyping among its tools and skills.
- Level classes it as a mid-level role.
- 1X has 100 other open roles on Level.
- Posted within the past week.
AI in this role
Prototype Technician responsible for preparing, fabricating, and inspecting 3D-printed parts for NEO humanoid robots.
We’re building humanoid robots that work in homes - 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 want to work 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.
Our Manufacturing | Hardware team turns engineering concepts into physical prototypes for NEO, our humanoid robot. Working closely with mechanical and manufacturing engineers, we use rapid prototyping to evaluate designs, resolve assembly issues, and improve how parts are made. Your work will help the team move from CAD to tested hardware quickly and reliably.
Your CharterOwn the day-to-day preparation, fabrication, and inspection of 3D-printed prototypes for NEO. Create or modify prototype parts and simple fixtures in CAD with engineers, applying design for additive manufacturing (DfAM). Select materials and build parameters for the intended use, prepare print files, operate and maintain printers, and complete post-processing. Troubleshoot failed builds, inspect critical dimensions, and support assembly checks and functional testing. Turn those results into practical design and process improvements while maintaining a safe, organized prototyping workspace.
Key OutcomesDeliver labeled, inspected prototypes that meet engineer-defined dimensional, fit, and functional criteria on agreed schedules; flag deviations before parts enter assembly or testing.
Improve first-pass build success and turnaround by tracking failures, testing process changes, and verifying the results.
Keep printers ready for planned builds through calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and timely replenishment of materials and consumables.
Make builds repeatable with revision-controlled CAD and print files, process settings, material records, and documented inspection results.
Additive manufacturing execution: prepare and monitor builds, manage the print queue, and balance part quality, turnaround, and material use.
Practical design judgment: connect geometry, material properties, orientation, supports, and tolerances to a part’s intended function.
Methodical troubleshooting: isolate equipment, material, and file-related causes of defects, verify fixes, and escalate issues beyond your training.
Quality and ownership: inspect your work, maintain accurate records, communicate risks early, and coordinate priorities with engineers.
1–3 years of hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, model making, or manufacturing, including regular 3D printing.
Ability to prepare, slice, set up, and troubleshoot builds using at least one additive process, such as FDM/FFF or SLA, and perform routine printer maintenance.
Working knowledge of a 3D CAD tool, including basic part modifications, and the ability to interpret drawings, dimensions, and mechanical fits.
Experience with calipers or similar inspection tools, basic post-processing and assembly, and accurate build and inspection records.
Ability to work on-site in San Carlos, CA, follow equipment and material-handling procedures, and communicate clearly with engineers.
Experience with multiple additive processes, such as FDM/FFF, SLA/DLP, SLS, or MJF, and a range of engineering polymers or resins.
Experience managing material drying and storage, support removal, curing, finishing, and dimensional consistency across repeated builds.
Familiarity with parametric CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or Fusion; basic GD&T; and fixture or assembly-aid design.
Robotics, automotive, or aerospace prototyping experience; technical training in additive manufacturing, machining, or a related field.
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.
Compensation Range$35–$45 per hour + 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
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.
How we rate this
Prototype Technician 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 rapid prototyping was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where dfam was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where additive manufacturing was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where hardware testing was part of your work. What did you do?
- Walk me through how you've used 3d Printers in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Rapid Prototyping, Dfam, Additive Manufacturing, Hardware Testing, and 3d Printers. 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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