Test and Validation Lead

About 1X We’re building humanoid robots that work in any space humans exist with the mission to create an abundance of labor. Simple, but it’s not. To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, software, hardware, manufacturing and operations at the same time, at scale, in a form factor that has to be safe. 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 general purpose 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 Test & Validation team builds the methods, infrastructure, and data needed to understand how NEO performs in the real world. We work across Design Engineering and Reliability Engineering to validate new designs, accelerate engineering learning, and prove that critical robot systems can perform reliably over time. Your Charter Lead the Test & Validation Engineering team while remaining a hands-on technical leader for the most important robot-level validation challenges. You will turn engineering objectives into robust test strategies, personally develop complete-robot tests, and establish repeatable methods for task/load characterization, durability, instrumentation, and data collection. Key Outcomes

• Lead and develop a high-performing Test & Validation Engineering team, setting priorities, providing technical direction, and aligning execution with program needs.

• Deliver robust validation strategies and test methods across R&D, design exploration, design validation, and lifetime reliability programs.

• Personally lead development of complete-robot validation tests, including task and load characterization, robot-level durability testing, instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition.

• Establish consistent standards for test design, execution, data collection, analysis, tracking, and technical reporting across the team.

• Ensure test results are accurate, repeatable, and actionable, giving engineering teams the data needed to make informed design and program decisions.

• Own planning and utilization of critical test equipment and lab assets, including budgeting, procurement, capacity planning, and equipment readiness.

• Provide engineering and company leadership with clear visibility into test execution, risks, roadblocks, results, and program readiness.

Key Competencies

• Hands-on technical leader who can move between engineering strategy, detailed test development, and team leadership.

• Strong depth in test and validation of complex robotic or electromechanical systems.

• Excellent understanding of instrumentation, data acquisition, mechanical actuation, fixtures, controls, and test equipment.

• Ability to translate ambiguous engineering questions into practical, repeatable test methods that generate useful data.

• Strong technical judgment and ability to prioritize testing against rapidly changing engineering and program needs.

• Effective people leader who can coach engineers, delegate technical work, and maintain a high execution bar.

• Clear communicator who can explain complex technical results, risks, and tradeoffs to both engineers and leadership.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 5+ years of experience in Test & Validation, Design Validation, Reliability Test, or a related engineering role involving complex hardware.

• Demonstrated experience leading Test and Validation Engineers through complex projects, including technical guidance, prioritization, and cross-functional execution.

• Experience developing and executing tests for robotic systems or complex electromechanical assemblies, including robot-level task/load characterization or durability testing.

• Hands-on experience with test equipment and methods including data acquisition, environmental chambers, vibration systems, HALT, mechanical actuation, and motor or drive-unit dynamometers.

• Strong experience with test planning, data collection, analysis, tracking, and technical reporting.

Preferred Skills

• Experience leading both rapid R&D/design exploration testing and longer-duration reliability or lifetime validation programs.

• Experience establishing standardized test processes, templates, data practices, or laboratory workflows across an engineering organization.

• Experience developing complete-robot or system-level validation methods.

• Experience managing test equipment budgets, procurement, capacity planning, and utilization.

• Experience working in robotics, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, or other complex electromechanical hardware environments.

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. Compensation Range $145,000 - 177,000

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.