Camera Hardware Engineer, Robot Head

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

The Vision Hardware team develops the imaging systems that enable NEO to perceive and understand the world. We design, integrate, validate, and optimize camera modules that provide high-quality visual data for perception, navigation, manipulation, and human interaction.

Working closely with Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Manufacturing teams, you'll help deliver robust camera systems that perform reliably across millions of operating hours in real-world environments.

Your Charter

Develop and validate the vision hardware that powers NEO's perception.

You will own camera module validation from early prototype bring-up through qualification and mass production. Your work will establish objective image quality standards, define validation methodologies, and ensure camera systems consistently meet demanding performance, reliability, and manufacturing requirements.

Key Outcomes

Define and execute comprehensive validation strategies for camera modules, image sensors, and complete vision systems

Characterize optical, electrical, and system-level camera performance across robotic operating conditions

Develop image quality specifications, validation methodologies, and objective performance metrics

Design calibration procedures and manufacturing test processes for high-volume production

Lead camera hardware bring-up from prototype through production qualification

Partner with Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering teams to optimize complete imaging system performance

Collaborate with suppliers to ensure camera modules consistently meet design, quality, and manufacturing requirements

Key Competencies

Deep understanding of camera system architecture, optics, sensors, and image quality evaluation

Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop objective validation methodologies and performance metrics

Hands-on engineering mindset with experience debugging, validating, and optimizing complex hardware systems

Excellent collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams and external suppliers

Strong ownership mindset with the ability to independently drive complex hardware validation programs

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline

3+ years of experience developing, validating, or characterizing camera and imaging systems

Deep understanding of camera technologies including image sensors, optics, lenses, image signal processors (ISP), and complete imaging pipelines

Working knowledge of the electrical and mechanical integration of camera modules

Experience programming with Python and C/C++

Proficiency working in Linux environments

Experience using image quality evaluation tools such as Imatest, Image Engineering, MATLAB, or equivalent

Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Ability to work full-time onsite in San Carlos, CA

Preferred Skills

Experience developing stereo vision or multi-camera systems

Experience validating and calibrating imaging systems for high-volume consumer electronics or robotics products

Familiarity with camera manufacturing, production testing, and calibration workflows

Experience working with computer vision and machine learning frameworks

Experience collaborating directly with optical, sensor, and camera module suppliers

Familiarity with production quality methodologies including qualification testing, statistical analysis, and manufacturing process validation

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.

Successful Camera Hardware Engineers combine deep expertise in imaging technology with a systems-level mindset. They enjoy solving complex hardware challenges that span optics, electronics, software, and manufacturing. They are equally comfortable designing rigorous validation methods, analyzing image quality, debugging hardware in the lab, and partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready vision systems that enable reliable robotic perception.

Compensation Range

$175,950 - $225,000, plus 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.