Technical System Lead

Target start date: immediately.  Relocation provided. Please submit your application in English.

Since its founding in 2015, 1X has been at the forefront of developing advanced humanoid robots designed for household use. Our mission is to create an abundant supply of labor via safe, intelligent humanoids. 

We strive for excellence in all we do, solving some of the hardest problems in robotics with the world’s most talented individuals. Every part of our robots is designed and produced in-house—from motor coils to AI—reflecting our vertically integrated approach. At 1X, you’ll own real projects, be recognized for your achievements, and rewarded based on merit.

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations. 

As we scale from research and development to full-scale manufacturing, we are looking for a Technical System Lead to own and drive the development of a critical subsystem of our humanoid robot. In this role, you will set the technical vision, push boundaries, and lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver a complete, integrated solution—from first principles through to production. You will be a hands-on technical leader in a matrixed organization, with end-to-end ownership over your system’s performance, architecture, and readiness.

In This Role, You Will

• Define and own the technical roadmap for your assigned subsystem.

• Deliver a fully integrated system across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software, from cradle to grave.

• Lead a multidisciplinary, matrixed team with functional members from across engineering domains.

• Drive rapid iteration, testing, and integration cycles to validate performance and de-risk development.

• Set the bar for technical excellence in your area, pushing the team to innovate, simplify, and go beyond industry norms.

• Balance vision with execution, rolling up your sleeves to troubleshoot, build, and refine alongside the team.

• Own all key decisions, from architecture and interfaces to tradeoffs in performance, cost, weight, and reliability.

• Collaborate closely with other system leads and platform leadership to ensure seamless robot-level integration.

• Champion a high-accountability, high-velocity culture that values results, responsibility, and bold technical ambition.

Requirements

You’re a Good Fit If You

• Have 8+ years of experience leading development of complex electromechanical systems, ideally in robotics, aerospace, electric vehicles, or consumer hardware.

• Thrive at the intersection of technical leadership, innovation, and execution, you can architect the solution and build it too.

• Are a strong systems thinker with deep expertise in one or more domains (mechanical, electrical, firmware, controls, mechatronics).

• Lead through influence and credibility, not just authority, especially in fast-moving, cross-functional environments.

• Have a track record of shipping hardware under tight timelines with high performance and reliability standards.

• Are energized by solving novel problems, building new things, and creating impact in uncharted territory.

Location Policy

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.

Typical interview process 

• Introductions - interviews to learn more about you and talk about 1X and the role

  • Interview with a member of the Talent Acquisition team

  • Hiring manager / senior team member / technical interview

• Team interviews - technical interviews and deep-dives with team members. May include a take home challenge, presentation or problem-solving exercise

  • Technical deep-dive conversation with a team member 

  • Onsite interviews with team members 

• Final stages - you move to the final round

  • Expectation management with the hiring manager 

  • We will conduct reference checks

  • Job offer conversation 

Depending on the role and your