--- title: 'Biomechanics Researcher at 1X' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/biomechanics-researcher-1x-san-carlos-48d2s2ppcxjb' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-06' --- # Biomechanics Researcher at 1X - **Company:** [1X](https://feeny.ai/companies/1x) - **Location:** San Carlos, CA - **Compensation:** $200k–$250k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-06-17 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/1x/39b89d0a-1ade-45fd-9c70-cbbceb7ce45d/application **Skills:** Biomechanics, Biological performance analysis, Modeling, Quantitative analysis, Engineering applications, Robotics, Controls, Materials, Mechanical systems, Test design, Instrumentation, Data collection, Data analysis, Quantitative models of biological motion, Force generation modeling, Sensing modeling, Adaptation modeling, Electromechanical systems, Advanced hardware platforms, CAD > Define human-level performance metrics for humanoid robots by studying biological systems. Develop quantitative performance models, engineering specifications, and experimental designs to bridge the gap between biological capabilities and robotic hardware. ## Job description ## 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 1X Labs exists to provide the science and technology that enables human-level, general-purpose humanoids. We are rigorous about identifying the gap between current robotic performance and human capability, then developing the technologies required to close it. Our work spans sensing, actuation, materials, control, and intelligence, with the expectation that fundamental discoveries ultimately become real products. The Biomechanics function sits at the intersection of biology and engineering. We use biological systems not as templates to copy, but as reference systems that reveal what high-performance interaction, movement, sensing, and adaptation actually require. ## YOUR CHARTER Define what human-level performance means in quantitative, engineering-relevant terms and translate those insights into specifications that guide the development of humanoid robots. You will study biological systems to understand how they generate force, absorb energy, sense contact, maintain stability, and adapt to changing environments. From those observations, you'll develop performance models, scaling laws, and engineering targets that influence the design of actuators, sensors, materials, mechanisms, and control systems. As a Biomechanics Researcher, your work will help ensure that engineering decisions remain grounded in the realities of biological performance rather than arbitrary technical metrics. ## KEY OUTCOMES - Develop quantitative performance models that define human-level capability across locomotion, manipulation, sensing, and physical interaction - Establish engineering specifications and benchmarks derived from biological systems that directly influence hardware and software development - Design and execute experiments that reveal the mechanisms underlying biological performance and adaptation - Identify performance gaps between robotic systems and biological reference systems, providing actionable guidance for closing them - Enable cross-functional teams to make better design decisions by translating biological insights into practical engineering constraints and opportunities ## KEY COMPETENCIES - Deep expertise in biomechanics and biological performance analysis - Ability to translate biological observations into engineering models, specifications, and design requirements - Strong experimental mindset with experience designing, instrumenting, and analyzing complex physical systems - Ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines including robotics, controls, materials, sensing, and mechanical systems - Intellectual rigor combined with the ability to operate effectively in highly ambiguous research environments ## MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - PhD in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with 5+ years of experience. - Demonstrated expertise beyond descriptive biomechanics, with a focus on modeling, quantitative analysis, or engineering applications - Strong secondary background or hands-on experience in robotics, controls, materials, mechanical systems, or related engineering disciplines - Proven ability to translate biological insights into actionable engineering specifications or performance targets - Strong experimental experience, including test design, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis ## PREFERRED SKILLS - Experience developing quantitative models of biological motion, force generation, sensing, or adaptation - Experience working with robotics, electromechanical systems, or advanced hardware platforms - Familiarity with CAD, simulation environments, and engineering analysis tools - Strong proficiency in Python or similar tools for modeling, analysis, and scientific computing Experience studying biological materials, soft tissues, tactile systems, or locomotion dynamics 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. Within 1X Labs, successful researchers are deeply grounded in their domain while remaining capable of influencing adjacent fields. They use evidence to drive decisions, seek fundamental understanding rather than surface-level optimization, and care deeply about whether their insights survive contact with real systems, real products, and real-world constraints. ## COMPENSATION RANGE $200,000 - $250,000 + 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. ## About 1X ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: 1X develops general-purpose humanoid robots for home and industrial environments, combining AI and hardware to automate everyday tasks. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series B funding stage) - **Headquarters**: Palo Alto, California, United States - **Founded**: 2015 - **Founders**: Bernt Øyvind Børnich ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Robotics Engineering / Artificial Intelligence - **Target customers**: B2C (home consumers via NEO) and B2B/Enterprise (industrial tasks via EVE) - **Mission**: Build a truly abundant society through general-purpose robots capable of performing any kind of work autonomously, allowing humans to focus on what they love. ## Products & Services - **NEO**: A friendly home humanoid robot designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life and handle chores. Currently in early access after the NEO Beta (2024) and NEO Gamma (2025) iterations. [1x.tech](https://www.1x.tech/about) - **EVE**: A wheeled industrial humanoid deployed in factories worldwide for autonomous industrial tasks. [1x.tech](https://www.1x.tech/about) - **Revo1**: A high-torque-to-weight drive servo motor inspired by human tendon actuation, used in 1X robots. [1x.tech](https://www.1x.tech/about) - **1X World Model**: A physics-grounded video model that enables NEO to learn autonomously from text or voice commands. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1x-technologies) ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed - **Key Metric**: Total funding of $169M as of mid-2026, with a $100M Series B led by EQT Ventures in January 2024. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1x-technologies) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: EQT Ventures (lead), plus other investors in secondary rounds. Acquired Kind Humanoid in January 2025. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1x-technologies) - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount grew 121.2% YoY to 394 employees. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1x-technologies) - Full-scale production of NEO began in Hayward, CA, with capacity to build 10,000 units per year. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1x-technologies) - New Palo Alto HQ consolidated teams from Sunnyvale and Moss, Norway. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1x-technologies) - Appointed Mohi Khansari as Head of Robot Learning (January 2026) and Vikram Kothari as VP of Operations (August 2025). [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1x-technologies) ## Competitive Advantages - **Vertical integration**: Owns manufacturing in Hayward (U.S.) and Moss (Norway), controlling the full production stack. - **Proprietary hardware**: Revo1 servo motor offers world-leading torque-to-weight ratio, enabling flexible, low-gear-ratio robotics. - **AI-first approach**: The 1X World Model allows robots to learn physical tasks via simulation and self-supervised video prediction, reducing need for manual programming. - **Early home deployment**: NEO is one of the first humanoid robots entering private homes, giving 1X real-world data and feedback loops. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling NEO production and expanding early access to more households across the U.S. - Enhancing AI capabilities through the World Model and reinforcement learning (e.g., Redwood mobility controller). - Building a robust supply chain and service network for home robots. - Continuing enterprise deployments of EVE while shifting emphasis to the consumer market. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Fast-paced, mission-driven environment focused on building humanoid robots that coexist with humans. Strong emphasis on AI, hardware, and real-world impact. - **Work model**: Likely on-site for hardware and AI roles (multiple offices in Palo Alto, San Carlos, Sunnyvale, Hayward, and Moss). Some software roles may offer flexibility. - **Notable perks**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotics and AI, contribute to a product (NEO) that is already entering homes, and be part of a rapidly scaling company with strong funding. - **Engineering culture**: High concentration of talent from Tesla, Apple, Google, and SpaceX. Active research in biomechanics, reinforcement learning, and simulation. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1x-technologies) - **Open roles**: 65+ positions listed on the careers page across AI, hardware, software, operations, and manufacturing. [1x.tech](https://www.1x.tech/careers) ## Sources 1. [1x.tech](https://www.1x.tech/about) 2. [1x.tech](https://www.1x.tech/careers) 3. 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