Soft Materials Modeling, Simulation and Testing Engineer

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 through 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 will own real projects, be recognized for your achievements, and be rewarded based on merit.

We are seeking a Soft Materials Modeling, Simulation and Testing Engineer with a passion for soft matter, complex deformation behavior, and advanced computational modeling. This role is ideal for a hands‑on engineer who enjoys building predictive models and validating them through rigorous experiments. You will work at the frontier of stretchable sensors, soft skins, compliant structures, composites, and multilayer stacks.

You will collaborate closely with researchers in materials science, physics, biomechanics, mechanical engineering, and industrial design to build an integrated understanding of how soft materials behave under real world robotic conditions. Your work will guide early architecture choices, accelerate material development, and ensure reliable transition from concept to product.

• Develop computational models that predict the mechanical behavior of soft materials including elastomers, textiles, and layered systems.

• Simulate complex deformation modes such as stretch, compression, shear, bending, impact, and contact to support the design of robot skins, covers, sensors, and structural materials.

• Create custom test setups to validate model predictions with precise experimental data and refine models based on measured performance.

• Analyze failure modes, stress distributions, and performance envelopes to inform material formulations and structural design.

• Partner with materials scientists to interpret test results, identify promising candidates, and tune material parameters for specific robotic applications.

• Collaborate with mechanical and industrial designers to translate simulation insights into engineered solutions with predictable real world behavior.

• Document modeling frameworks, testing methods, and results clearly to support internal knowledge sharing and decision making.

• Stay at the forefront of soft matter physics, numerical simulation, and material characterization to continually improve predictive accuracy.

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, applied physics, or a related field.

• Strong understanding of soft material mechanics, continuum modeling, or computational simulation.

• Experience with modeling tools or numerical methods for large deformation problems, contact mechanics, tribology, and viscoelastic behavior.

• Hands on experience designing and running mechanical tests on soft materials or composites.

• Ability to translate model outcomes into clear engineering guidance and actionable design criteria.

• Comfort working across disciplines and iterating rapidly between simulation and experiment.

• First principles thinker with strong analytical skills and a drive to solve complex physical problems.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills suited to a fast moving, ambitious research environment.

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