Senior Materials Lab Engineer
Halodi Robotics, San Carlos, CA, United States
Job description
Senior Materials Lab Engineer
About 1X
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 be rewarded based on merit.
We are seeking a
Senior Materials Lab Engineer
with deep expertise in
polymer based systems, surface science, adhesives, and coatings . This role is ideal for a highly detail orientated, hands‑on expert who can independently drive formulation, processing, surface treatment, bonding, and testing of advanced materials, while taking direct ownership of materials lab operations and capabilities.
You will play a critical role in building and operating a high performance materials lab, enabling rapid iteration from raw materials to validated components used in humanoid robots.
Key Responsibilities
Independently lead
polymer based material development , including formulation of coatings, adhesives, and multi‑layer material systems
Own
surface science and interface engineering , including surface preparation, treatment, and characterization to enable reliable bonding and coating performance
Develop and validate
adhesive bonding processes , including material selection, process definition, and durability testing
Execute hands‑on work across
material processing and shaping methods , including mixing, compounding, molding, coating, laminating, and bonding
Design and implement
rigorous testing and characterization protocols
for bulk materials and interfaces, covering mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental performance
Take
direct ownership of materials lab fabrication, testing, and characterization workflows , ensuring quality, repeatability, and speed
Coordinate external lab analysis and testing , including selecting partners, defining test scopes, and integrating results into development decisions
Drive structured problem solving to diagnose failures at the
material and interface level , and iterate toward robust solutions
Collaborate with
external suppliers and partners
to source materials, evaluate coatings and adhesives, and develop new processes
Work cross‑functionally with mechanical, electrical, and industrial design teams to ensure materials and interfaces meet application requirements
Support
scale‑up from lab to production , ensuring consistency of coatings, bonded assemblies, and material systems
Assist in
maintenance and capability development of the materials lab , including equipment upkeep and expansion
Contribute to development of
new tools, techniques, and lab methodologies
to accelerate materials innovation
Job requirements
MS or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field
3+ years of professional industry experience in materials development, adhesives, coatings, or surface engineering
Strong hands‑on expertise in
polymer formulation, surface science, adhesives, and coatings
Experience with
surface preparation and treatment techniques
(plasma, laser processing, chemical, mechanical, or other methods)
Deep familiarity with
materials lab operations , including experimental design, test method development, and interface characterization
Experience coordinating
external testing or analytical labs
Proven ability to take
end‑to‑end ownership of lab work , from setup through execution and validation
Strong attention to detail and disciplined approach to experimental work and documentation
Excellent problem solving skills, especially in diagnosing
interfacial failures and material interactions
Experience working with
external suppliers or material vendors
Comfortable operating in fast paced, build focused environments with rapid iteration cycles
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Nice to Have
Experience with
soft materials, elastomers, or compliant systems
Familiarity with
textiles or fiber based materials
Experience scaling coatings, adhesives, or material systems to high volume manufacturing
Exposure to
multi‑material assemblies or integration with electronics
Compensation
At 1X your work and results will be rewarded with a
total rewards package
consisting of a base salary, stock options and benefits. Base salary range is $115,000 to $185,000 + equity. Your actual salary will be based on your knowledge, skills and experience.
Location Policy
We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in‑person presence in our office locations.
We’re excited to get to know you and the prospects of having you on board!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Materials Lab Engineer
About 1X
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 be rewarded based on merit.
We are seeking a
Senior Materials Lab Engineer
with deep expertise in
polymer based systems, surface science, adhesives, and coatings . This role is ideal for a highly detail orientated, hands‑on expert who can independently drive formulation, processing, surface treatment, bonding, and testing of advanced materials, while taking direct ownership of materials lab operations and capabilities.
You will play a critical role in building and operating a high performance materials lab, enabling rapid iteration from raw materials to validated components used in humanoid robots.
Key Responsibilities
Independently lead
polymer based material development , including formulation of coatings, adhesives, and multi‑layer material systems
Own
surface science and interface engineering , including surface preparation, treatment, and characterization to enable reliable bonding and coating performance
Develop and validate
adhesive bonding processes , including material selection, process definition, and durability testing
Execute hands‑on work across
material processing and shaping methods , including mixing, compounding, molding, coating, laminating, and bonding
Design and implement
rigorous testing and characterization protocols
for bulk materials and interfaces, covering mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental performance
Take
direct ownership of materials lab fabrication, testing, and characterization workflows , ensuring quality, repeatability, and speed
Coordinate external lab analysis and testing , including selecting partners, defining test scopes, and integrating results into development decisions
Drive structured problem solving to diagnose failures at the
material and interface level , and iterate toward robust solutions
Collaborate with
external suppliers and partners
to source materials, evaluate coatings and adhesives, and develop new processes
Work cross‑functionally with mechanical, electrical, and industrial design teams to ensure materials and interfaces meet application requirements
Support
scale‑up from lab to production , ensuring consistency of coatings, bonded assemblies, and material systems
Assist in
maintenance and capability development of the materials lab , including equipment upkeep and expansion
Contribute to development of
new tools, techniques, and lab methodologies
to accelerate materials innovation
Job requirements
MS or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field
3+ years of professional industry experience in materials development, adhesives, coatings, or surface engineering
Strong hands‑on expertise in
polymer formulation, surface science, adhesives, and coatings
Experience with
surface preparation and treatment techniques
(plasma, laser processing, chemical, mechanical, or other methods)
Deep familiarity with
materials lab operations , including experimental design, test method development, and interface characterization
Experience coordinating
external testing or analytical labs
Proven ability to take
end‑to‑end ownership of lab work , from setup through execution and validation
Strong attention to detail and disciplined approach to experimental work and documentation
Excellent problem solving skills, especially in diagnosing
interfacial failures and material interactions
Experience working with
external suppliers or material vendors
Comfortable operating in fast paced, build focused environments with rapid iteration cycles
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Nice to Have
Experience with
soft materials, elastomers, or compliant systems
Familiarity with
textiles or fiber based materials
Experience scaling coatings, adhesives, or material systems to high volume manufacturing
Exposure to
multi‑material assemblies or integration with electronics
Compensation
At 1X your work and results will be rewarded with a
total rewards package
consisting of a base salary, stock options and benefits. Base salary range is $115,000 to $185,000 + equity. Your actual salary will be based on your knowledge, skills and experience.
Location Policy
We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in‑person presence in our office locations.
We’re excited to get to know you and the prospects of having you on board!
#J-18808-Ljbffr