Head of Advanced Manufacturing

1X • Full-time • Palo Alto, CA, US • 3d ago

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.

As we scale from research and development to full-scale manufacturing, we are looking for a Head of Advanced Manufacturing. The Head of Advanced Manufacturing will lead a multidisciplinary team spanning Manufacturing Design Engineering, Manufacturing Process Engineering, and Manufacturing Process Execution,. This role is responsible for developing scalable manufacturing strategies, enabling volume production of complex electromechanical assemblies, and ensuring our factory systems are future-ready. You will work closely with product design, supply chain, test, and operations teams to industrialize products and lead the transition from prototype to full-rate production.

Key Responsibilities:

Build and lead the Advanced Manufacturing organization, covering:
- Manufacturing Design Engineering
- Manufacturing Process Engineering
- Process Execution Engineering
- Manufacturing Equipment & Fixture Development
Drive early engagement with design teams to ensure manufacturability (DFx) and alignment with cost, quality, and scalability goals.
Define and implement MBOM structure, tooling strategies, and assembly methodologies for all robot subsystems.
Oversee the development and validation of jigs, fixtures, and custom assembly/test equipment for pilot and mass production.
Ensure robust process foundation is in place to support high yield and repeatability across manufacturing sites.
Partner with Automation Engineering to define scalable, high-throughput production systems using robotics, sensors, and custom automation.
Serve as COGS owner in collaboration with Product and Supply Chain teams, driving cost reduction through design and process innovation.
Lead ramp planning and execution, ensuring all manufacturing methods are validated and ready for high-volume production.
Develop and own roadmaps for process innovation, equipment capability, and automation scaling.
Implement metrics and dashboards to track yield, throughput, uptime, and cost across product lines.
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing, cross-functional Advanced Manufacturing team.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership roles.
Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced, high-growth hardware environment.
Demonstrated success launching new products and scaling from prototype to volume manufacturing.
Deep expertise in DFM/DFA, MBOM management, tooling, automation, and factory layout planning.
Experience with electromechanical systems, robotics, or consumer electronics is a strong plus.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills; able to influence technical and strategic direction at all levels.
Excellent communication and team-building capabilities, with a bias for action and hands-on problem-solving.

Nice to have

Experience building manufacturing infrastructure and scaling teams.
Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems and digital manufacturing platforms.
Background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other formal process improvement methodologies.
Exposure to regulatory and safety compliance in factory environments.

Location

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

We are a value driven team

These are the ideas that express our team’s culture and how we work:

Be Nice

Collaboration is our driving force. Our team creates an open, trusting environment where everyone can be their most creative.

Stay Smart

A world-changing team needs the brightest minds in every discipline. This is where people come to work, learn, and grow to their full potential.

Make History

Everything we do gets us closer to one ambitious vision: Creating an Abundant Supply of Labor using Safe, Intelligent Humanoids. We believe what we build today will impact generations.

We're excited to get to know you and the prospects of having you on board!