Camera Hardware Engineer, Robot Head

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 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.